jls99660

I am almost at my six month mark - right around 90 lb loss. It has really slowed in the last month or so. I hit my protein goal of 60-90 gms. but don't get too brave with my other foods. Is it normal to slow down this early?

I am 10 weeks about from my RNY. I weigh once a week. It seems that my average is to lose 3-5 lbs./week. However, last week I dropped much more - from 254 to 248. I was so excited. So I weighed a few days later to see if I was on a roll - and the scale went back to 253-254. I'm logging my food faithfully, getting in my protein, water and my calorie counts are typically 600-800/day. So I'm confused - why would the scale jump six pounds? Should I be worried?

I don't know if anyone else has had this happen, but I feel like I get hungry sometimes. I know we are supposed to, but I think I was getting used to not feeling hunger at all in the first month or so. I am eight weeks out, on Stage IV. I can't eat much in the way of solids without getting full really fast. But then I feel hungry later. I'm trying to keep water and food seperated, chewing 20 times, taking my time with eating - any other suggestions? Maybe I thought the 'no hunger' phase would last longer and it's disappointing. But then if I try to eat more, I can't. Anyone else?

I appreciate all the suggestions. It helps to know others have been through this and are doing well.

I am six weeks post-op and am really beginning to have problems with constipation. I'm not sure about how to safely add Fiber to my diet. I've started taking stool softeners to help the process but . . . any ideas?

I went for a walk this morning and it felt really nice. I've never been a fast walker and my short legs take short steps. So hitting 5000 was a big deal for me. I was out of breath in the beginning and then realized I wasn't racing anyone. I took my time and enjoyed the fall weather. I'm a graduate student and it helped clear my head for a paper I'm writing. Obviously, not entirely - I still have much work to do. But progress! The journey! All that good stuff. One of the things that I am most excited about is that I have a history of insomnia and have moments of anxiety (like when I am writing papers. Since surgery, I have not taken any medications for either insomnia or anxiety and I am sleeping well. That is a big milestone for me, totally unexpected. I am going to try and weigh myself once a week and will begin taking pictures once a month. This is really exciting - and scary. It's life-changing for all of us. I hope we all achieve our permanent goals!

Does anyone have some good Thanksgiving recipes? I just started pureed foods this week. I have a turkey breast I was thinking about roasting, adding some gravy, and then puree. What is the baked ricotta - I see that mentioned often. What about fake mashed potatoes with cauliflower? Just wondering!

I am looking at my mixers and frying pans today. I don't think those will be my go-to methods in the future. So - if you would like to cook in a more healthy fashion - what do you invest in? Instant Pot? Air Fryer? Vitamix? I keep getting suggestions but wanted to consult this group since you are the living experts. Ideas appreciated!

I didn't want to tell my parents, particularly my mother. I heard about my weight issues all of my life. I have lost and regained over 100 lbs. twice. When I did tell her, she couldn't understand why I needed surgery when I had lost before. Didn't seem to acknowledge the loss was always temporary. Anyway, she knew my mind was made up and hasn't bothered me about it. Ironically, she has been trying to get my brother to have the surgery and he has no desire. I like this thread - seems we all share many things in common, including family drama!

Basically, this is rationing to meet the needs of society. In some cases, it might be appropriate. Carrying the liver transplant patient analogy forward, some find the six-months abstinence rule offensive. However, a person can live without alcohol and will require anti-rejection drugs for life. If they cannot maintain compliance, they will die and the liver they received will have been wasted. There is a huge waiting list relative to the supply and living donation is more dangerous to the donor. Bariatric surgery does not require that another life be lost (i.e. deceased) or someone come forward to donate part of their own body. I believe one of the reasons follow-up for patients is critical for science is to provide evidence that supports practice. Would it be appropriate to deny someone a 2nd/3rd surgery? Perhaps -I don't know. We don't have unlimited resources and don't put enough efforts into prevention. Moving forward, how do we balance this? My fear is that those of us who struggle with obesity are viewed negatively and blamed for our own condition. I don't believe the answer is that simple, so I am not comfortable with a blanket policy without overwhelming science to support it.

My surgeon instructed me NO TRAVEL for 30 days - and repeated this multiple times. I live in a large city, so I'm not sure how far that restriction extends. My niece is hosting Thanksgiving at her house and lives one hour away. I'll see him before that time and ask. I went to the grocery store to get in my walking this past week - it wasn't far from the house and I thought if I have an issue, I'd be in a public place. I like to take Sunday drives, so this is a change. I am erring on the side of caution here. I don't want to set anything back on my recovery.

I had my surgery Monday, I'm four days out and on Phase 3. I find that it is really hard to get the fluids in, depending on the time of day. My scale hasn't really budged. I've met my fluid goals (barely). Today I wanted some fresh broth, ordered soup, strained everything out and drank that with unflavored protein powder. Then it dawned on me - is this allowed in Phase 3? Is it normal not to see an immediate drop on the scale?

UGH! These type decisions make me angry. First - BMI - is so ridiculous other than a broad indicator. One of my jobs at work is to interview potential living organ donors. One very handsome, athletic, man came forward to be a living kidney donor. He was initially rejected because of his BMI. He wanted to help his friend so much, he came to the clinic in person (initial interviews are over the phone) and the physicians were so impressed with how healthy he was - solid muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat for the same space. Beyond that, it is discrimination pure and simple. If we forbid everyone that ever had a "shortcoming" from surgery, we would have no surgeries. You are a diabetic - oh dear - were you 'compliant' 100% of the time? Did you take a medication that wasn't subscribed to you? Sorry! You have a past history of X, Y, Z - you are out. I do understand that certain behaviors or histories place you at greater risk. I also understand in a more socialized system, to stay functional/afloat, some restrictions have to be in place. But like James, the most effective treatment for morbid obesity requires surgery and can address a host of comorbid conditions. Any kind of ban would be counterproductive and discriminatory.

I misspoke - I am on Phase 2 - basically, full liquids. The scale still hasn't moved. I see my PCP today to go on my home meds. I think I have the diet part down now and I appreciate the input. I am finding the 30 minute rest periods more important the longer I am out.