kathy51

I am taking my chewable multi vitamin, a "hair, skin & nails " vitamin and a calcium chewable every day since my surgery. I think the problem is that I have not been eating enough protein. I am taking care of that with a 40 g protein shake and a 20 g protein bar every day now. Hopefully that will fix it. I live on a US military base and canned meat is actually more of a neccessity where I am. I'll definantly get my bloodwork done when I get the chance. Thanks for the advice!

I am 3 months post op gastric sleeve (10/6/2017). I have lost 55 lbs. I am losing clumps of hair and realized I am getting nowhere near enough protein. I live on a US military base outside the US and it is difficult to buy a lot of fresh protein here. I have been bringing protein bars in my suitcase and I cannot buy shakes here either. I thought I was eating okay until I started losing so much hair. I just had to order Muscle Milk on Walmart.com and Amazon.com. I just cannot eat enough protein otherwise.

newyearnewme17 My surgery was 10/6/17, and I had a lot of back pain also. Everything else went really well and I was worried about it, but after about 2 weeks post op it started getting a little better every day. I did weigh myself every day at first, but when my weight loss stopped about 9 days ago, I stopped weighing myself since it was making me worry. I know I am losing and see it in my clothes so I'm just going to go with the flow and follow instructions. Good luck to you too.

52 year old woman VSG date: 10/6/2017 HW 249 SW 232 CW 219

I also have Cigna and I work in the Bahamas so I have to travel to Florida for my appointments and surgery. How long after the 4th required appointment did you all receive your surgery approval letter? My doctor's office originally told me 2 weeks, but they said Cigna is moving a bit slower these days.

I am pre-wls, but once I am at my goal weight I plan to reanalyze my self image needs. I know insurance doesn't cover the cosmetic repairs, but they really aren't a so expensive that you couldn't save for it if you really feel the need. If a partner really cares for you and it bothers them & you, it seems to me they could make it a joint effort. Its not like it cost a million dollars. I already know I will likely want at least 2-3 areas fixed so I am making plans now by cutting back and saving my money. It is a personal choice.

Agreed. I am doing it for me. I guess all we can do it take one step at a time and make good choices day to day for ourselves. I can't wait to read more about everyone's journey.

I'm am so excited about my WLS and I have told a few people. I was fairly disappointed in the responses. They have not been very supportive. I have a few supportive family members so I am good, but my friends have let me down. I have 3 cousins who have had WLS and 2 of the 3 got divorced after their surgery. I wonder what direction my life will take and who will be there with me post surgery. I guess it is like an adventure.

Exactly what I was hoping, to feel like my 30s again. Thanks for the positive response. I am feeling older than I am, and can't wait to feel young again. I'm ready to make the changes in my life too. I still feel I have a lot of living to do. I love reading about everyone's journey on here and I am so glad I found this.

Thanks for the link to the Bariatric Pal store website . I didn't notice it and it looks like it has lots of useful items. Has anyone tried vitamin patches?

I am pre-op and also age 51. I live in Florida. I was diagnosed copd 2/7/16 and never picked up another cigarette. I was already 220 , but steroids pushed me higher to 242. Feeling empowered since I quit smoking, even though I still have high blood pressure, but now I want my body and my energy back. It is scary at this age, but I am hoping for a healthier life.

To be honest, diet soda is the one thing I am concerned about giving up. Not that it has worked obviously, but I have the mindset that if it weren't for that, I would be heavier. I often satisfy my sweet tooth with a diet soda and I drink about 2-3 a day. So, I already, pre-op, started trying to let it go. I am down to 1 a day and hoping to switch to 1-2 glasses of decaf iced tea with truvia eventually so that the transition later will be easier. I'm sure I will miss it and be tempted too. I was actually told a different reason...that carbonation can upset your stomach and cause more gas. Has anyone experienced this problem?

I am preparing for surgery, but I recently came across a weight watchers food scale at Goodwill and paid $1.00 for it, I just though it might come in handy when I need it.

I am preparing for surgery in a couple months, but I have a really supportive mother, brother and 2 sons. My dad and my husband just keep telling me, "wouldn't it just be easier to just go on a diet". I have been overweight nearly 30 years and it feels condescending and insulting. It is extremely frustrating and I am worried about how I will feel about my husband and his lack of support after I have the surgery. I'm sorry for anyone who feels alone. I think the others who have responded to your post were right in saying look for positive people or support groups and stay away from anyone negative. From what I have read it is typical to feel that way at this stage and I hope it passes for you soon.