AnnieGreen

Much to my surprise, I hit goal this morning! I am 2 weeks short of 6 months post-sleeve. So 130 lbs, 22.5 BMI. My health is so much better; so grateful for each of you and all your support!

I'm at 5 months today, 65.8 lbs down -- and I think about 2 lbs of that is my hair! When does it start growing back? I'm pretty clever with a comb, hairspray and some hair fiber, but ouch it's getting sparse. Any idea as to when it starts to come back in? Any ideas on how to help it look better? (Apparently, I am vain)

I would think the more nutrients you have pre surgery, the healthier you would be. But post, I've had a gosh awful time with taking the vitamins; tried chewable, tried capsules, etc. So going to try the gummy melts and hope it helps.

Kat410, while hair loss isn't funny, I did lol here -- mine is mostly white, and so you don't see it in the bathroom. But it feels like invisible cobwebs when it drifts down in the shower.

I have crazy natural curls, so am trying to avoid short....sigh

It's been an interesting 5 months and thanks to each of you for all the support and kindness (and honesty) that have helped me to learn how this all works. My health: that's the reason I did this at 65. My numbers are rocking perfect-normal! All 7 of my "ologists" are thrilled beyond words, as I think they have really struggled over the years keeping my vertical! To have low total cholesterol, low normal triglycerides, and spot on A1C is a miracle. That said, I have had another small, silent stroke according to my neurologist this week. So good that I'm working towards the best health I can have. My goal: I have concluded, based on the sage words of those who at 4 years out, that my body will find its point as long as I am doing the optimum eating & exercise for health as I approach 66 years in May. My (current) issue: Control. As in I over-control. I am number driven, which isn't where I want to be. I was amazed and simultaneously appalled, that I could wear a size 6 (clothes and ring) oh, and apparently my feet were fat since my shoes are too big. (I think size charts got bigger over the years.) I log every mouthful of food in my app, and weigh every day to have a sense of what my normal fluctuations are, and then look back to see if there is a pattern of something I ate that 1) gave me toad froth & nausea; 2) caused a bump up or drop down; and 3) the silly BMI number. Conclusion: I would do this again, but way sooner! I might have avoided the failed triple bypass, and 4 strokes. Being here now is amazing, and I am grateful beyond words. And my thought is to stay on the site (as I do with my BC, ovarian, brain tumor groups) to encourage people. Annie

I'm 65 and was sleeved in 10/2017. Feeling great - no real issues (I still eat too fast sometimes). I'm off 14 meds, and all my numbers (trigylcerides/BP/cholesterol/A1C) are amazing and my docs are ticked to death. I wish I had known about it sooner as it has resolved so many chronic health issues. And in the TMI area, my skin is pretty resilient, but then I've only lost 61 lbs. Best in your journey!

10 lbs to GW -- Lifetime to health goals!

I have lost a good bit of hair, but right now it's still hanging on; I've been good about the protein, but the vitamins are a struggle. I've tried chewable and capsuls, and uugh. But it should start coming back. And don't say "only" about your loss! That's 196 sticks of butter! Think about how much that is.

The carb advice is spot on, depending upon what your particular doctor/health allows. I measure. Sometimes re-measure. I often use "a gracious plenty" when it's way too much, and it's trick with carbs depending on what you're eating. I'm only 3 months out (10/5 so almost 4) but still limit white carbs. I agree that the stall, while frustrating, is not the end. The journey into health is the rest of your life, so you're o track!

I had a similar problem. The thing that worked for me (still working) is pencil eraser size bites, put fork/spoon down. Chew chew chew. Repeat. It slows me down, and I do not have the slime or "toad froth" or painful nausea. Prayers for her to feel better.

]I am so excited this morning! I hit a normal BMI of 24.9 (145 lbs). That's a place I haven't been in 11 years. I want to thank all of you for your patience, your kindness, your honesty, your emotional support because I would have, at various points, despaired of the process, the "toad froth", the stalls, the crazy eating. SO, 13 lbs to goal, and my goal date is 5/3/18. I see my doc on 1/15/18 to see what he thinks my GW should be based, on the Fit3D scan which unfortunately shows fat, muscle & skin. I say unfortunate because the image is sooo creepy. (Like that little dancing baby meme that came out in the 90's). Thank goodness your facial features are indistinct! Any way, just a little overwhelmed to reach a goal that felt unachievable back in August when I was bawling my face off about my health. No angina, free of 14 prescriptions, a total cholesterol of 99, and trigylcerides of 93! Best I've felt in 15 years! And it was NOT the easy way, as we all know. Thank you, each & every one. Looking forward to the rest of the journey, and being a faithful maintenance person,

Wow! Just wow! Amazing accomplishment! And so encouraging to the rest of us! It's not about the time, which will pass any way -- its about setting your goal of good health and going after it! Kudos!

Congratulations! Well done

At 3 months out, I just had blood work. All 17 required bariatric tests were normal (a word not used for me in any context); my cholesterol total was 99 (total) with good going up, bad going down. Triglycerides went from 295 to 93! So WOW! Not any angina since surgery date, and it was 24/7 with two meds. Down from 17 meds daily to 4, plus vitamin. Again, WOW, just WOW! Weight from 198.7 to 148.4 this morning. Best decision we've made about my health in a very long time.

I can eat "real" food; that said, I have not had any sugar or corn syrup products. I have not gone into anything with heavy oil. And if something sounds queasy when I think about eating it, not going there yet. Successful food: pretty much everything I've tried, which includes eating out (with great caution and a take out box for the next 3 meals of leftovers). Again, cautious. Problem: I still forget and eat too fast and feel queasy or "froth". As unpleasant as both are, I think I'm learning Weight: Down 44.8 lbs Inches: 33" gone (I measure every Saturday. Size: From a 16 to a 10 (which means nothing since sizes vary so much. Health: Seems good; had labs done this week, but results not back. Found out I discontinued two meds I'm not supposed to (blood thinnere plus aspirin as I have CAD and stroke history). AND caught some kind of bug in the waiting room. Basically very happy camper! (No s'mores)

Chinese food is our Tuesday go to. I'm only 2 months out from GS, and I took one bite of wonton broth only, and realized it had a lovely oily sheen; I would imagine the egg roll was also oily. I react very strongly to "too much" of any kind of oil. When we eat Chinese, I get the steamed seafood & veg, with no sauce & put the rice up for my husband on another day. I've had Chicken Egg Foo Yung, and "sliced" off all the fried part, leaving the eggs, vegs & chicken. No sauce, no rice. Let me add we do take out, I'm not being crazy in public (yet).

So it's been mostly good. I made the transition from liquids to puree with no problem and appreciated the advice about not stressing about calories, just water & protein. It made things seem a lot easier. I have transitioned to soft foods; my brave try with salmon was not a good thing, but did learn a great lesson that eating too fast is a very bad idea! I'm doing well, although kind of tired of the same things. There are a lot of recipes, but it makes so much and you eat so little that there are lots of leftovers! My weight has gone down from 197+ to 162 today, and I've lost about 50" from all over (apparently even on my feet as shoes are suddenly too big. I am still tired, but my dr said that was a result of the second surgery & transfusions, but I should pick up before Christmas. I also start "real" food on December 2nd, so looking forward to doing some more cooking. We usually do New Orleans food for Christmas and all my kids come home, with the grandkids. I am also off 14 medications, with only 4 a day which is amazing for me! I'm so glad I did this. Thanks for all your support.

I get the Purely UV ones because they fit into all the lights we have. I find it helps.. I grew up where there was lots of light, year round, and to SE part of US where it's overcast. It makes a difference!

SAD can be treated with an ultraviolet (not tanning) light; you can get the bulbs at places like Lowe's or Home Depot. Put one wherever you sit most i.e., chair or desk at work. It really helps. Also, IMHO, daylight saving change doesn't help!

Ask your doctor who will have your records, health history and experience in both procedures. My understanding of my sleeve is different than the post above; which doesn't mean anyone is wrong, but that the information you got from your doctor will be specifically for you. Good luck!

I re read these posts today, and appreciate everyone who has commented. I am not hungry, ever, so far. I try to keep an eye on "when" I should eat to keep my fluid intake up. I have not tried the unflavored protein powder (I am so over whey), but may do that as I am on soft foods. I am eating too fast, and causing problems. Giving my body more time to adjust to all the changes seems very wise. Thanks for starting this thread. So glad you are doing better.

First, I'm sorry you feel "single is terminal". I met my husband (on line) and was at my normal low weight. I did have lots of health issues, which deterred him not one bit. I usually disclose early in relationships & friendships, because its genetic/hereditary and includes 70% risk of 7 types of cancer. I've had 4 so far.... That said, he was not looking for long term, just friendship as was I. However, it surprisingly and quickly became the love of our lives, and he's still my best friend. He was, however, outside my "parameters" in terms of age and distance. My point is, just trust that life will move you along where you want to be, and be the person you are inside, which is worthy of love, and beautiful! Yeah, I'm a mom to 4 "adult kids" so prone to advice. If you want an old lady friend, I'm here

There is rather an ebb and flow to friendships when you are younger (I'm 65). You each enter and leave different seasons of your life, and the timing is not always perfect. I think its awesome you have plans to meet new people! You are a very pretty young woman, and it may be that your friends are a tad jealous about your change, but maybe they just aren't sure you are the same person. As you have new interests, are more active, you will have a group of friends that enjoy the same things, and only know this new, healthier version of you. And hopefully, you will be able to retrieve a few of the old gang.

The good thing is you recognize "full"! I have to really work at the liquids, because more than a swallow and a half, and I feel kind of icky. So I do try to get liquids in early in the day, and then concentrate on protein. If you can only take a small amount at a time, just do your best! Talk to your doctor's assistant about how you're feeling. Hope its easing off!