GACaldwell

I had this question at first too because like you, I drink A LOT. I called my Drs and they said there is no way you can stretch on liquids and drinking more than whats suggested is fine as long as you're drinking 0 calories drinks. Look up the "Pyloric valve"...its the valve in your stomach to your intestines that basically lets all liquids go through almost instantly. Once i understood how it worked, it made me feel better.

Fabulous! You're doing great!!

I don't really have anywhere to share this...so I hope here is ok. I hit the 199 lbs mark yesterday and maintained it today. It's been so long since I was under 200 that I can't even remember the last time. I'm down a total of 23 lbs since I started all this. It's exciting but I'm trepidatious about sharing it because my brain still says "this won't work" even though logically, it is working! Plus all the nay-sayers in my world. :-/ I was happy with my body before surgery, but I was unhealthy. Today my blood pressure is down and I managed 20 minutes on the elliptical last night! Better than that, I did the elliptical and I can still walk the next day. I have a neck again and inches have been lost. My rings fit again and my clothes are fitting better. So one month out, this is my success. Still a ways to go but I'll get there, slowly and surely.

I tried topamax for my depression. It has the nick name "dope-a-max" for a reason. I couldnt function on it (but I was on a high dose!) I echo what others have said about therapy and seeing your NUT. But on top of that, find something you can focus on that helps you. For me thats been yoga and mindfulness. It doesn't make it all go away..this is a serious condition but it has helped me. I journal...a lot..but I always did. And for my birthday this year, (pre-surgery) I had a semi-colon tat placed on the inside of my left wrist where I write the number of days Ive survived my worst days ever/lived in front of it when I need to. It helps me focus and remember that I have a 100% success rate of surviving so far. Lastly..reach out..here, family, friends, whoever will help you. You don't have to do this/suffer alone. See if there are local support groups or even just a friend who wants to help. Go for a walk..grab a healthy lunch, join a gym together. Regardless, don't shut yourself off.

Hi All! A little over 2 months out and I've hit my first stall. I'm wondering how you all track your food/calories/fitness? I've used sparkpeople before but im terrible at remembering to track anything once I leave work.

My tastes changed and I can't drink plain Water anymore...Lately I've been drinking Vitamin Water Zero (Acai-Blue berry-Pomegranate is my fave) I tried the add ins but so far they all give me even worse indigestion. I'm hoping that goes away.

YES!! Strangely, Water tastes funny to me now, no matter where it comes from. I used to drink a gallon a day...now I can't manage without adding something to it.

My kids are old enough to cook for themselves and the SO are long distance soo.... One thing I've learned is to keep a rotisserie chicken and deli thin sliced light turkey on hand. When they are eating something I can't handle yet, those are my go-to items. Also, Imitation crab meat is an easy thing to have on hand. I sometimes wrap the crab in turkey slices or add Light Laughing cow cheese. I haven't had any issues with mood swings but I do want to talk about it alot. Sometimes that can get annoying to the SO's...especially if they are working on weight loss too. I try to limit it but its a BIG deal for me...so i dome here to crow sometimes about what's happening and connect with people who are supportive. One thing, since your little one is of the age to run right into you and want to be held and picked up...make sure you prepare him too to be careful of Mommy's tummy. This was he wont feel put out when you are recovering and wont be able to pick him up or have to be mindful of him running full force into you.

Woohoo!! Congrats to both!! keep it up!

I have a neck now!

Awesome @@GSleeve822!!!

I had one...ONE...well chewed Cheez-it type cracker on the plane ride home from Mexico at 3 days out. The flight attended handed them to me and I just couldn't help myself. Nothing happened...until my partner woke up from his nap and freaked out when I confessed! LOL

At week 3 I had a similar experience. I was fine up until then and then it hit me like a brick wall and i couldn't rest enough. But I'm past week 4 now and doing ok...still a little tired (I see my dr next week) but overall better than I was in week 3! Give it time..you're still healing.

Thats AWESOME pmary!! Talk about a good reason to drop your undies! hahahaha

NSV= Non-scale Victory. Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement!

Hi All! I'm one day shy of 4 weeks post op. The first 2 weeks were great..I wasn't tired at all and I resumed my schedule before long. But when week 3 hit I started getting tired...not tired as in "I need a nap" but tired as in i need to do less and be still a LOT. Daily activity wears me down so the idea of walking more or adding any exercise is beyond comprehension at this point. I'm just wondering when the feeling of tired went away for you? TYIA! Gayla

Yes my surgeon is aware. I'm taking it on my General Practitioner's orders for my BP (It's always been borderline) but my surgeon ok-ed it once I was off the med he prescribed me.

Thanks all! I'm no on any BP meds other than the low dose aspirin daily. I take Vitamins daily. No issues getting in my liquids or Proteins. Looks like it's just a waiting game....and I have never been patient! LOL Much Love!

My Dr Approved me to go back to gentle yoga practice at 2 weeks out. I'm a teacher and keep up a regular practice so that was my biggest concern. Most of the poses were doable though twists were harder at first. Everything else I've waited till the 1 month mark for.

I call in to my Drs in Mexico any time I have questions but I'm doing follow ups with my General practice Dr here in Opelika at the end of the month. I chose mexico because financially it made more sense for me since I had to pay out of pocket for the surgery.