Unforgettable

I would agree with ParrotHead. Some types of "funky breath" can mean your body is in a state of ketosis. Definitely call your doc even if your appointment is Wednesday just to play safe.

I feel like a broken record because I say this so much. My favorite protein source right now is plain 0% fat greek yogurt - it's not high in calories, has no fat, super low in carbs and 5 oz has 15g protein. By itself, it tastes like sour cream so I use it as a sour cream substitute and dip chicken, etc in it. My fav way to eat it is 5oz with 1 or 2 tbsp peanut butter mixed in...it tastes delicious! I have that for breakfast every morning, and if I need a snack I eat it then as well. You can also mix in splenda, fruit, etc and it takes on that flavor. Last night I mixed in the ranch dip powder to make ranch dip and had veggies with it.

I agree, you've done amazing so far! You sacrificed and was blessed with a healthy son. You may have gained but it was for a legitimate reason! You've been at goal once so you KNOW you can do it. Just get back into the right mind frame and try to remember how great it was to be at goal!

steve Welcome and congrats on your loss thus far! Didn't they weigh you the day of surgery?

Hey Rebecca! I'm not a larger bandster, but thought I'd share a link you may find helpful. There is a specific forum on this site for bandsters that have BMIs over 50 and that have 100+ pounds or 200+ pounds to lose. As far as feeling like the biggest person in your group, I can indirectly relate as I often felt like the smallest person pre-op. We tend to judge each other based on these things even in support groups, which sucks! That's awesome that you're going to support groups though, and you've found an amazing resource by being on this site. Good luck to you!!!

Breeezie, Thanks so much for sharing your story. That was great to read. I'm glad you're back on the right track now. Let us know what the scale says!

How many calories are you taking in during a day? If you aren't getting enough calories, your body may be in starvation mode and holding onto every calorie. Or you may not be taking enough calories if you are really doing vigorous exercise 5x a week. Are you doing your part? Really exercising? Eating right? Even if you can eat a large amount of food, are you making the right choices? And even though you don't have the best restriction right now, this is where your willpower comes in and you need to control your portions. You need to do your job so the band can do it's job...it's a partnership. Good luck to you!

Just so you know, an endoscopy isn't actually surgery where they cut you open. They usually put a tube down your throat which gives the doc a picture of your stomach. You're under conscious sedation, which is where they make you all loopy so you hopefully won't remember but they don't knock you out to where you need a breathing tube.

Susan had some great suggestions. When you go I'd have them completely unfill first to make sure there isn't a major leak. Are you eating the right things, even if you can eat a larger amount? Are you exercising? Journaling/tracking intake? You need to make sure you are doing your job or else the band won't be able to do it's job. Also you shouldn't be embarrassed to go to the doctor - suck it up and do what you need to do to get back on track. They can't help you if you don't help yourself. And perhaps you should go into therapy as well. I recommend it for almost all WLS patients, but especially if you are having problems, aren't eating, not exercising etc a therapist will hopefully be able to help you through your problems. Good luck!

By the third night of trying to sleep on my back with pillows on my side to fake myself into thinking I was on my side, I finally just gave in and sucked it up and slept on my side.

Scott - sounds like you've got the right attitude by not stepping on the scale! This is you're body's time to heal. Then when you do step on the scale, you'll be so surprised!

Bek, you can tell such a difference in your face!!! My headshot is a "during" picture, the rest are my before/during comparisons

Ahh I see, weird. Glad you're doing great otherwise. I'm very interested in what's causing this one so keep us posted!

When you say you're "paying for it" does that mean you're having diarrhea? If so make sure you're keeping yourself plenty hydrated. I was told I shouldn't have too much fiber immediately post-op. Who told you to take the benefiber? I'd definitely talk to your doctor about that if he wasn't the one who recommended it. It's really important to ask your doc's advice even when it comes to over the counter stuff like this.

What exactly do you mean by no bladder sensation? How did you find out in the first place - Did you not realize you had to pee and then went on yourself? That's good that you told your doctor. I'm curious to see what the urologist says as well. You're doing the right thing by going every couple of hours to keep on top of it.

Donnainva - I knew someone would call me out on my terminology! I even thought about using the word soda, but you know what, it's a freakin pop where I come from!! I can't believe you switched after 30 years lol