heather5565

It's sounds like old blood just wanting to get out, usually your body just absorbs it up but it is common that your body tries to extract a hematoma (a pool of blood) It came out of one of your incisions because it was a way out. If you get a fever, if your incision gets flaming red, hot and swollen then there's something to worry about. If your incision starts draining pus and if this pus has an odour then that's something to get checked out for sure. But I think you're ok from what you are describing. Good luck and congrats on working at a newer healthier you!

I've been a success due to the help, guidance and advice I've taken from the vets on this forum. I'm almost 10 months out and have 12 pounds to goal... I don't know if I would've been this close to goal in 10 short months if it weren't for following and being inspired by the veterans! I thank you all for your help and please don't go. Just know that I still need you, most of us still need you, and whether these newbies think they do or not... they need you! I don't cone on this forum nearly as much as I used to but when I do I enjoy reading the great advice you all give - and yes I even enjoy the bluntness and straight forward advice you give. I wouldn't call myself a vet yet and I still sometimes have questions that need answers so please don't go!

Hi Djmohr I'm gonna be hitting the 10 month mark soon (already!!!) So any idea where I should be for calories? Up until a couple of months ago I was around 700-900 now I can't even stay within that range for the life of me. I'm usually around 1000-1200 Is that too much? Not enough? I have 13 lbs to go which are sticking to me like a fly on rice. I've switched up my exercise and am trying to change up my eating by cutting out carbs again and eating more dense foods. (Still always get in lots of protein, water and always always my vitamins) Maybe I should cut out some of the dairy, fruit, nuts and Peanut Butter??? I really only eat maybe 1 piece of fruit a day but maybe I shouldn't have any?? Any tips for me? Thanks in advance Heather

There's a sneaky way to get around that....When you're done logging your food and exercise - simply put in some "quick add" calories to make it over 1000 and then mfp will close your diary. Then turn around and take the quick add calories back out and re-close your diary. Voila!

I've had my fitbit one for over 3 years now! I never take it off! I like the little bit of competition between me and my fitbit friends I did get an upgraded fitbit for Christmas (the blaze, I think) but I have to say, I didn't like it all that much! I loved the fact that I could track my heart rate and such, but I did find that it wasn't all that accurate with steps. I could run on the spot for 5 minutes and it would count maybe 100 steps. Maybe because it was on my wrist?? Idk but I found it discouraging. The fitbit one is simple and doesn't have all the bells and whistles but I like it ????

We can never be friends. Lol Just kidding... sort of. I love bacon. But yes I have to say some foods that I loved pre surgery I don't enjoy now. Right after surgery I couldn't stand coffee. Like I'd have a few sips and I couldn't do it. It grossed me out. Some other things too. You do get some of your taste buds back tho.

Dean winchester is spoken for.He's mine! Back off and get your own Dean! Lol I like looooooove him. Love Love Love Him Nomnomnomnomnomnom Ok. Yep. Went too far and now sound like a crazy stalker. Oh well!

Wow.Just wow. Those few words can move mountains, rock the world, wake the dead. Perfect. And I'm saving it to read over and over. I was asked earlier today what made me lose weight so quickly. I usually don't tell people I had wls but for some strange reason I did this time. Maybe because it was a coworker? Idk. All I know is, is the fact that as soon as those words came out of my mouth I instantly "defended" myself and my "actions" I right away said things like "I work really hard, I eat healthy, I watch what I eat, I track everything, I don't eat hardly any carbs, sugar or grease, I watch my portions, I measure everything, I eat a lot of Protein, I drink lots of Water, I get in lots of exercise, ETC ETC ETC" Why did I even mention the surgery part? I think that what I said directly after saying that I had WLS is pretty convincing as to why I have lost so much weight and have been successful.

Hey Craig, Did you two have a talk? What was the verdict? Don't leave us all hangin'! ????

You're awesome Jen hahaha

Don't know why it posted twice but whatevs It's a Laurel flower and a forget-me-not flower. My mom passed away unexpectedly 2 months ago and her name was Laurel. It's on my left wrist. I think it turned out great - it's just still scabby

*follow your eating plan *eat your Protein *take your Vitamins *drink your Water *go low carb *low to no sugar *exercise *as you lose weight & get into better shape - keep revamping your exercise, don't sweat it if you don't lose every day or every week - it's gonna come off so don't dwell on it *enjoy the journey because it goes fast *don't obsess over losing the weight (try not to anyways) *enjoy other things going on in your life *Celebrate weight loss with non-food things *if you do go out to eat at a restaurant - don't get too anxious; you're gonna have healthier options but even if you do choose unhealthy you're only going to have a small portion so it's not gonna hurt your progress (just don't make it an everyday habit) *stay away from your trigger food(s) - they can get you into trouble... mine is popcorn. (Or aka crackcorn) *enjoy the compliments - don't turn around with a negative comment like "yeah but I have loose skin or I still have X amount of weight to lose" *just smile and say thank you - you know you deserved that compliment and know how hard you worked to get to where you are... *don't let anyone get you down with saying shitty things like "I knew of someone that lost all the weight only to gain it back" --- you are not that person they are referring to. *really push yourself with exercise (later on) - you won't die even though you may feel like you are. See what you're made of! You'll feel so good afterwards knowing that "I just did that!" It's addicting. You'll want to continue to push your own limits. *try new exercises and such *your incisions will be tender, red and sore. If they are oozing pus then get them checked out - otherwise they should be fine *that left (or sometimes right) shoulder pain is the leftover gas/air they pumped up your stomach with from surgery - it'll go away *that extra painful area (left quadrant) on your stomach is where most of the work was done. It will be sore longer. (Bypass patients anyways) - the pain will go away eventually *do what your doctor says about eating, drinking, exercise, everything. Follow the rules! *Just remember why you had this surgery. You want to be healthy and happy. ***No food or drink will make you as happy as how that new dress or pair of jeans fit. *** - Or when you are able to walk or jog without being so out of breath - or when you can fit in an airplane seat comfortably and not need a seat belt extension. - or when you don't have to worry if that plastic chair will hold you - or you can bend down to pick up that pencil you dropped and get up easily - or having that social anxiety anytime you go out in public - or looking around a crowded room only to be mortified that you're the biggest one there - or taking the elevator up one floor and being ashamed of it because you know what people are thinking Don't let the food control you anymore. ***Nothing tastes as good as being fit and healthy feels.*** *Don't think you have to have a certwin food because you'll never have it again; it will always be there. It's not going anywhere. You're just choosing to not have it now - you're in control. McDonald's will still be around 100 years from now, so don't fret. *Breathe. *You can do this. It's easier than you think. You will have a tough time at first because everything is so new and you're most likely withdrawling from carbs, sugars, junk etc. But once that is out of your system - it does get easier, honest! And when the weight starts dropping your priorities and cravings change. You'll crave more successful weight loss then you will carbs! You'll think to yourself "that *insert food of choice here* isn't worth it!" You'll crave exercise. Your body will anxiously await to move! *Weigh and track your food. It helps a lot. I use Myfitnesspal. And I have a fitbit. Friendly competition is motivating *Take one day at a time, again, try not to obsess and have your weight loss consume your mind. There are other things to your life right now too. *Every few weeks or month - go thru your closet and try on smaller clothes - this is a huge motivator! I forgot to do that so many times and totally bypassed clothes and then never even got to wear them. (Brand new clothes, dammit!) Gave them away with the price tags still on them. Anyways, you can do this! If there's any other questions - just ask Heather **if there is anything someone wants to add -- please do! Let's all help each other be as successful as we can possibly be! Surgery date: September 21 2015 Starting weight: 273.4 Current weight 168.4 Loss of 105 lbs so far. 18 to go

Getting my tattoo in less than an hour - will post results!!

Thank you!

This was me then. This is me now. This will be me forever. 21 pounds to go! I thank myself everyday. If I can inspire just even one person to get their life and health back... or for their first time - then I'm happy. I'm happy anyways! ???? Heather

You're very welcome!Any questions or what have you just ask - someone (if not me) will help you out ???? Hope all is going great for ya!

Good luck in 2 weeks! Keep us up to date on how it's going!

@@jessjames Congratulations for changing your life for the better! You can do this! The absolute most important thing for you right now and for the next few days to a week is drinking your fluids and moving. You don't want to get dehydrated and land back in the hospital, And you don't want to get a blot clot from not moving. Take your pain meds if you need them and get some rest as well. The next week's will be tough but you will get thru them. Don't be surprised if you'll feel fine for the first couple of weeks then by week 3 or 4 you'll feel like you've been hit by a truck. It's like delayed fatigue or something. You may even feel nauseous and have diarrhea around that time too. And don't worry if you experience the infamous '3 week stall' It happens to many many wls patients - just keep calm and know that it is normal. Your body is confused and is just trying to rebuild and heal itself. If you have any questions or concerns or just need to talk please pm me or ask on this thread. Take care and welcome to the 'losers bench' Heather

Anytime @@Steph~L~16

@@sharkgirl - you are welcome @@proudgrammy - great add-on!!!!!

@@KindaFamiliar You crack me up!

Good tip @@Proud2BMe