japeters

I'm down 81 lbs and I still consider myself fat (I'm currently 153.6) even though I'm not. A couple of times I've found while in a store I walked by a mirror and had to go back because I was shocked to see how small I was. I think we are our own biggest critic, just try to enjoy the differences you see, like for me it's using a normal sized bath towel after my shower instead of a beach towel, or not needing a seat belt extender on an airplane, or my thighs not bulging out the sides of a chair when I sit...focus on those milestones/accomplishments and eventually your brain will catch up! you've done an amazing job, keep up the good work!

wow i've never heard of this happening before, i'm interested in knowing more about this!

I have loose skin but have not had an issue with sores. I did recently join a gym to try to tighten up some of the skin. I do often get bacterial/fungal infections in my belly button and under the hanging skin from my belly but an over the counter anti fungal clears it up quickly. Good luck, I hope you heal quickly!!!

I"m having this issue right now, same as what you describe, i've started taking biotin every day and using nioxin shampoo/conditioner.

You really need to follow what your medical team advises however my surgeon advised that after 6 weeks (once fully healed) I could take ANY meds I was able to take before the surgery. I also had a hiatal hernia that had to be fixed so i'm cautious about NSAIDS since they irritate my GERD but I can take anything in pill form at this point (4 months post op)

Great Job!

I've always had bruising issues, even pre-op, but it is worse now post op...my dermatologist has me taking vitamin E and it helps alot, so i take my multi vitamin, calcium and vitamin e.

Most importantly talk to your doctor or Bariatric team! At this early stage you should not take anything without speaking to them first. I was very constipated until I was several weeks into the solid food stage and had to take a dulcolax stool softener (not a laxative) every day and it really helped, but I only had a bowel movement every few days. Your body is adjusting to quite a bit but according to my surgeon, it's very important not to become extremely backed up, so please call them asap. It won't be like this forever, hang in there!

I'm curious to know if anyone else is itchy? I am 3 1/2 months post op and have been so unbelievably itchy (arms, legs and torso). I will admit I've had this issue in the past when losing weight and my dermatologist has me taking Vitamin E, but lately the itching is so bad I've bruised myself and have small cuts in some areas. I do play to call my Bariatric Support Team on Monday but thought I'd check in here to see if anyone else has experienced this. I wonder if my skin is just dry and maybe I need more oil/fat in my diet??? Thoughts are appreciated!

Here's the thing I don't have a rash at all I'm just unbearably itchy.

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions and feedback!

Please share how you are doing it, I still have a shake every day to meet my protein, i just can't eat enough. Please and thank you!

the challenge with those meds (I speak from experience with them prior to being sleeved) is that the effect is temporary, once you stop taking them the problem returns and you gain the weight back, plus they are not safe or healthy long term. Have you thought about speaking with a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders? It could be that you need help redirecting or understanding the root of the desire to eat. One thing I've been doing lately when I feel the munchies come on is I pick something to do-maybe clean something, go sit outside with a book, call a friend or my sister to chat, etc... do something to take your mind off wanting to eat-redirect it into something productive. Good luck, I hope this helps you a little, I know how hard it is. You've come a long way, be proud of yourself and remind yourself how valuable you are!!!

Take the advice of those here telling you to follow your doctor, if you develop a leak you will be on a feeding tube for months, don't risk it, you'll be on solids soon enough

I was having the lightheadedness post op and I found 2 oz of Juicy Juice (no sugar added, it's recommended by my NUT) diluted with 2 oz of water...the sugar really helped with dizzy and light headed.

I don't have any energy either, actually having challenges staying awake...i see my surgeon this week and that is the top of my list to discuss..i do get in all my vitamins everyday so i believe it could be a specific vitamin that I am deficient in, hopefully a lipid panel will show what it is.

WAY TO GO!!!! That is so awesome, good job, keep up the good work!

Shopping in my own closet...I'd not even been in my own closet for a LONG time...I have so many cute clothes that actually fit!

I'm 10 weeks post op and I've been eating lettuce and greens since I was allowed to add veggies, lettuce is a GREAT substitute for bread if you like a sandwich or wrap. Greens are high in Fiber and good for your GI regularity. BUT, you should always defer to your surgeon & surgical team.

I also have a cuisinart mini food processor and it was perfect. I've graduated to my large kitchen aid since I make things such as cauliflower pizza crust and the whole family enjoys it...the pureed phase was the hardest for me, I had a hard time finding variety since not everything appealed to me in pureed form, but hard boiled eggs pureed are great with some seasoning and grilled chicken with the mixings for a chicken salad it pretty good pureed too.

Calcium and Vitamins are the key to maintain good dental health, and that is with or with out weight loss surgery. I say this with confidence because I have been fighting a life long battle of dental issues. I was sleeved on 2/26 and noticed that until I reached the solid food stage, my gums were bleeding quite a bit but they are fine now. I take my calcium religiously and plan to meet with my dentist to discuss my new nutrition regiment and how to be sure it doesn't impact my teeth. There are certain Vitamin deficiencies that impact dental health so if you feel you are having issues, don't hesitate to contact your surgeon or our dentist.

You need to speak to your surgeon. I had discomfort on my right side and at first they thought I had developed a hernia, but fortunately it was just scar tissue that pulled away. That pain could be something serious, please contact your dr. about it.

Many of the post op appts. are covered as part of the overall procedure, ask your surgeon which are covered and which are not. Once i reach my goal i am required to see my surgeon annually for life. Every program varies from what I've learned. I went at 2 weeks, 6 weeks (which I just had) and my surgeon wants to see me again in 6 weeks.

About 18 years ago I lost over 100 lbs and I went from a size 10 shoe to an 8.5. Since I've been sleeved (6 weeks post op) all my clothes are big but I just bought a new pair of sneakers and they are the same size, however I do expect to be in a 9 once I've lost all my weight, that was my shoe size before I gained all my weight.

My suggestion is to go to your PCP office in person, it's alot harder to ignore you when you are standing right in front of them!