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@Alexis99 and@MsMiamiMami: The hair loss was not dramatic, but it was enough to be more than annoying. I had hair that came down just below my bra strap, so I got a shoulder length cut and layered so when my hair does shed, it's less noticeable. And it's summer - it's hot and shorter hair feels great! As for the weight loss key after the slowed metabolism, I still get updated eating plans from my nutritionist. We kept in touch every two weeks up until the six month mark and now asks that I send her updates on my measurements every month. My weight loss is now between 8-10 lbs a month the last two months. As I can try to include more foods and slightly bigger portions, i do sometimes try foods that are probably like playing with fire for me. For example, i can have coffee, but I get either coffee with milk (skim) or for a treat almond milk, cafe au lait or a latte. A small will last all day, a regular two days. If I have carbs, it should be my own like a silver dollar size protein pancake or waffle with peanut or almond butter. But the other day I ordered a mini scone. I ate over about two hours but I should have eaten less than half and saved the other portion or not eaten it at all. It made me feel uncomfortably full and I got sick. With pizza, I was craving some, but there is nowhere that I could get a think slice, so I bought a frozen, organic, ultra thin crust pizza and I could pick at the toppings, but even a super thin crust just felt too bready and it just didn't feel worth it. I sometimes do have a piece of chocolate, but I try to think ahead in my day with what snack it makes sense. I keep chocolate Maria or chocolate graham crackers. If I don't have a Hershey's kiss or m&ms, I'll have 4-5 maria crackers or 1 sheet or graham cracker. I have three small meals and two snacks a day. The proteins I have the easiest time eating is chicken either shredded or carved from a roast chicken and I weigh the protein. Its been suggested that I have rice or beans up to 1/4 cup cooked no more than 2x a week. During summer, im really enjoying shrimp tostadas, shrimp cocktail or shrimp salad with mango chunks and cucumber slices. The hardest part for me is getting more exercise in. It's easier, but what I did t realize is that exercising a lot is just plain hard even for fit people. By virtue of being less heavy, it doesn't make it easier to work out longer. It's just an annoying virtue of keeping it going. Ha ha! So, yeah, that is my biggest struggle, overcoming the desire to quick as soon as I'm tired. I hope all of my December Bypass Buddies are hanging in there. Whatever your weight loss is so far, remember where you were six, eight, 12 or 24 months ago. I ran out of breath walking up a flight of stairs, had painful migraines 2x a month, became hypertensive, diabetic and was so overwhelmed that I struggled with anxiety and depression. There is no comparison amongst your weight loss peers that assigns winners and losers. And if your weight loss so far hasn't helped you deal with food issues in a healthier way, like secret eating or overeating, reach out to professional support services. My doctor (she's also my family) was adamant that my weight loss experience would be better if I went to therapy before surgery to help me work out my destructive habits so that wasn't an unresolved issue after my weight loss. One thing that I began to do that is seemingly unrelated to weight loss but is such a. If part of it for me is that I think about three things that I am grateful for. And I recognize and give recognition to that. For example, I feel grateful that i no longer need medication to treat my blood pressure, diabetes, depression or migraines. I am thankful to not need to spend a day shrouded in quiet darkness because light made me so nauseous I'd throw up. I appreciate that I can bend down to tie my shoelaces without losing my breath. I appreciate not having to lie down to put on my underwear bc I couldn't stand and bend to do it six months ago! I appreciate and feel grateful that this community shares their journey. It gives me support and inspires me on my own journey to not feel alone! This is a now and before...

I chose the sleeve bc it was less invasive than bypass and my surgeon doesn't do the band dt too many complications with them. My surgery was on 5/31. I can finally say I'm feeling pretty good. I didn't have surgical pain, but I had gas pain for a week. I feel pretty good now though. I am kinda getting used to taking a few bites and being full, what I do is chew well and inn both sides of my mouth so that I can savor the few bites I can have. Because I usually want more but can't. I am currently on soft foods. When I go for my 6 wk appt they said they want to try to transition me off of protein shakes but I'm not sure if I'll be ready. I am not able to comfortably eat chicken or meats and I don't eat fish or sea food. I feel like I'm transitioning a little slower than they expected me to but I don't care because I know how my body feels and I'm taking my vitamins and trying to get the protein and fluids in. I'm happy I had the surgery. I feel better each week that goes by now. I'm looking forward to going back to work in a few weeks but do worry about drinking enough while I'm there. I already hinted to my manager that I was planning on carrying a small water bottle in my pocket to sip on while there. Anyway, I get sidetracked easily. I'm off my arthritis medicine. My ortho doc gave me a nerve block in my knee the day before surgery so if be able to walk post op pain free and it was amazing and I'm getting a series of gel injections to that knee here in another week on to of the weight I've lost I'm gonna feel like a new woman. HW: 280 SW: 231 CW: 203 GW: 140 Sleeved 5/31/17

I can only tell you what I would do, and that is I would discontinue communications with her. It doesn't mean that you have to cut out your nieces, but I would ignore any further communication from your sister, and frankly would delete all voice mails or email you receive from her. You do not need that crap. Some people feel that family is family and you have to accept them, to me that is complete BS. Nobody has the right to make you feel crappy. N-O-B-O-D-Y. Go about your life knowing you did what was best for you and no one can take that away. Congrats on the weight loss, and keep up the good work!!

Ya know, I am rapidly approaching my 6 month post op mark and I have heard about the hormones kicking in, but nope, nothing. They have always been around even when I was large and in charge but the way many write about in this website, its like they got an injection of the horny serum and would screw anything with a pulse. I just don't get it, haven't felt a thing but all my blood and internal tests are within normal parameters. I am almost certain it's probably a psychological thing. I do live in the state that's rated #1 in the US by the CDC in STD transmission so I think that keeps my libido in check and keeps me hidden away from most people. Burning pee and HIV ain't for me. Yes I know, wear a condom...but think of it like this, if you were about to have sex and right before the moment of copulation your condom wearing partner or lady in waiting that you were about to penetrate says "oh by the way I am HIV positive" would you still do it? NO you wouldn't because you would have zero faith in a simple piece of latex altering your life for the worst and maybe killing you. I just assume go to the clinic and get mutually tested before crossing that phase. But I digress... When exactly is this hormone boost supposed to happen? I am calling bs. Not feeling anything in increased drive more than I did before.

Dedicatedlady, what BC pills are you talking about? Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I hate when my husband wants to go out to eat. I'm only 4 weeks out and he'll be like let's go to this Chinese buffet. So then I order a water that I know I won't touch bc well leave before I can even start drinking it. I take 3 bites and I'm full just sitting across from him watching him eat a couple plates and apologize to me. It's not that I want to be eating more its just that it feels awkward. Have you ever gotten the small side at Panda Express LMAO. So he's got this loaded plate and I'm going home with this itty bitty box that fits in my palm that I couldn't finish eating. HW: 280 SW: 231 CW: 203 GW: 140 Sleeved 5/31/17

I think I've cried more in the last 3 weeks (usually at romantic comedies) then I have in the last 3 years combined haha. I wasn't told to stop my BC, however I take get DepoProvera. Have you emailed to see why? Is it specifically because they are pills?

Dr. Illian directed that I stop taking my BC pills 10 days prior to my surgery date. I was just curious if anyone else was asked to do this and if they were given the "why" behind it? A combination of my time of the month quickly approaching and the liquid pre-op diet has got me a little emotional lately.

mine said no gummies. I can tell you they don't make a gummy that contains iron bc I was always looking for one for my daughter who needed iron. But I was told that I had to take chewable for the first 3 months for proper absorption. HW: 280 SW: 231 CW: 203 GW: 140 Sleeved 5/31/17

I just had the horrible gas pains. But when I first woke up I was on a pain pump but my heart rate would go down to 40 on the pain meds so the oxygen sensor would beep and it would scare me bc I was at the other end of the hall from the desk and the nurses didn't always come when it alarmed. So post op and paranoid and not wanting to die I refused to use it. The next day they put me on oral meds and that was fine with me. I do have a low hr when I take meds like that. A few years ago was in the hospital with a PE my grandma died in wks prior my grandpa died the day before and I had to be admitted and miss his funeral the next day and I was a hot mess of anxiety they gave me ativan and my hr was like 32 asleep they had a cardiologist see me. I'm just now sensitive that some people to narcotics. But you'll do great, sip- walk - rest. HW: 280 SW: 231 CW: 203 GW: 140 Sleeved 5/31/17

My hiatal hernia was repaired when I was sleeved, 5/24/17. What a relief it is to not have GERD/Acid Reflux or to need Rx's for these, as well as high blood pressure, diabetes & high cholesterol. I called my surgeon's office for cancellations & was able to get in two mos earlier for my surgery, which was great. Pain, stomach spasms & nausea were the greatest things to overcome just after surgery: I was up and walking the day of surgery & have kept that up. Ice chips help you right after surgery & then a little bit afterwards I had NS/No Gluten Lemon ices, popsicles & broths, which really helped me feel better. The morning after surgery, I had all these plus my 1st NS Shake & drank H20. My 1 mo post-op on the 23rd showed I'd lost just a bit over 21 lbs. I measure my NS drinks w plastic glasses they gave me at the hsp & have just been able to tolerate H20 by itself this week: for some reason H20 is harder on the stomach I've discovered for many of us post-op. I teach H20 aerobics during the summer mos & have added treadmill & recumbent bike to my exercise plan, all approved & I can begin adding in yoga & Pilates Reformer at about 6 wks. I do nothing w/o the approval of my surgeon & although my next appt. is in Aug, if anything comes up, I can discuss it w them in anyone of the 3 post-op seminars they offer we patients or ask directly. I can eat a scrambled egg, but that's about all. Tried fruit in my shakes, but boy that ran right through me, as did NF cream soups. I don't know if this is a fact that my gallbladder was removed in late 2012, but I'll retry re-introducing these things slowly 1 at a time at about my 8 wks post-op. Whatever you do, be proud of yourself & what you've accomplished to bring you to this decision, which will change your life in the best possible way. The only opinions that matter are your surgeon's & yourself, but having forums to discover what lies ahead on your journey has been a Godsend for me. I researched for over 2.5 yrs before I made the decision to move forward & I'm glad bc I found the perfect surgeon & weightloss medical group after mtg w two others for myself; yet, on the otherhand, I wonder "Why didn't I do this for myself earlier?" My answer is "all things happen in perfect timing during our life" so I don't beat myself up & now feel very happy w myself/my journey. Good luck everyone on your own journeys.

You look amazing! I love your posts bc they give me so much inspiration!!! Sent from my VS995 using BariatricPal mobile app

I wouldn't Deal with Rick if I had to ever again he owes me 3,100 for a surgery I couldn't do and threaten me about not turning him in that he's in Mexico and I'll never see my money if I turn him in to BBB I waited 5 months alone with others private message me about him stealing from them also... I finally text and he said let's just do the surgery I told him I can't my Dr said my blood levels r not good I want my Money .. I reported him to BBB and wrote on my Facebook page to share around the world what type of liar and thief he is and he will not return any deposits either... I'm telling everyone still to this Day Don't trust Rick and him breaking you cross the border just with the birth certificate he's going to get caught about a Mexican bored because I turned him in ... He is doing everything illegal and stealing from us... Please share this ... it's going on a year almost and nooooo Money... I want to see him go down I will post and ruin his Name till the FEDS find him... He has changed his number so many times to have to BBB not call and him tell why he won't return r money.. so if y'all know any information on him and a number please contact me at ... 409-988-4783..Thank you... Help me stop him stealing and lieing to us...

I was so insulin resistant and I couldn't get my blood sugar down. My PCP said he was almost to the point that he felt like he would just throw up his hands!! I was on 100 units of Levermire insulin 2 times a day plus 500 mg of Metformin. I had my RNY and I am off all diabetes meds!! Right after I had my surgery I was off of them. I used to take 12 different medications now I take 4 plus my vitamins. I was told that the RNY has a high results in diabetic's getting off their meds or highly reduced meds. I had a high reading 2 months ago on my bloodwork but I know exactly why I had let some not so good for me carbs. I started taking my BS's again and it hasn't got but 1 bad result. That one was the first day I started keeping track of them. I have had great results with my RNY and I love that I have got my life back!! Good Luck in your journey.

I have a friend that said that. I told her thank you and I love you. She worked it out bc it was her issue not mine... Sent from my SM-G900P using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm on the Depo shot. Very happy I don't have to take bc pills.

Anyone have any problems with Slimband? I had to have mine removed last week. Absolutely no support from Slimband other than to offer a telephone consult with Toronto doctor..., I am in BC. I have been ill for over a year and can finally swallow again!!

My husband had a previous girlfriend who was sleeve and a year later cheated on him, got pregnant, and never paid him back since she was cash paying. So when I was thinking about having the surgery, I told him I would not do anything without his blessing. He went with me to the orientation, which was not required with his ex since it was cash. This sealed the deal with. Him. Hearing that only 3% of morbidly obese people can loose the weight on their own and keep it off for the rest of their lives, with the fact that my grandmother was diagnosed with estrogen based breast cancer(fat fed), My father died at the age of 37 from liver cancer, and lastly let's not forget, 75% of family on both my mother and father's side are at some for obesity. Genetics was not on my side. I am now 6 months out from being sleeved, and the best complement he has given me was that everything he experienced with his ex was totally different with me. In a positive way. I am at 93 lbs weight loss, and he normally ends up finishing what little I have left when we cook at home. If we eat out, we see if we can either split a meal or I get my own and have left overs for lunch and dinner the next day. If he wants his KFC, then u just make something small for me, that I know he really doesn't care for. So far so good, but communication is key!! Kitty

My initial date was rescheduled too Bc my heart rate was to low in the preop area. I was devastated. I was in a funk for days, but things are ok now. Think positive, and no smokes!

Keep sipping. I felt dehydrated the day after I came home. I just kept sipping, even as far as setting my timer on my phone just to make sure I got the fluids, caught up, and didn't have to go back to the hospital. I was super nervous Bc I vomited for more than 36 hours postop, at least once an hour. Horrible!! Good luck!

Doctor suggested more electrolytes and told me to drink Powerade Zero but bc of the fake sugars it gives me a headache! I wish I liked coconut water [emoji17]

I was told no bc pills period after surgery. I have the Mirena iud and it's great so far. I've never had kids or gotten pregnant and my dr suggested it to me.

liquid Tylenol, stool softener, milk of magnesia, gas -x. A tolerable drink other than water to help you stay hydrated in case water isn't working for you. I fell in love with aldi fit n active mango tropical flavored water beverage. Sometimes it's easier to get down than water and I couldn't tolerate the crystal light. Heating pad, I could only lady on my back bc it felt like my belly was pulling on my sides or sitting up on the couch the first week [emoji58], so that came in handy. If you don't have someone at home with you a reacher may be helpful bc everything I drop stayed on the floor until one of my teens walked by and oh hey can you pick this up for me. Sent from my SM-N920T using BariatricPal mobile app

sugar free jello was helpful for me bc it's low calorie but filling. Sent from my SM-N920T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi, anyone here get a revision from sleeve to gastric bypass? I was sleeved in 2010 and lost 120lb. Now I'm up 35lb but would love to lose 50lb. My body's metabolism is the way it was before the sleeve (I still have restriction) but can't lose a substantial amount despite regular exercise and watching diet. The weight slowly crept up and Iv been playing with the same 10lbs for the past 2 years. I don't have gerd at all, I'm doing this for the added restriction and weight loss. I'm curious of others results with this. I'm skeptical bc online I'm seeing that with a second surgery an average weight loss is 25lbs. That's not very much for such a drastic and costly surgery. Would love to hear your results.