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C-reactive protein (CRP) - in a nutshell. It is a protein produced by the body at times of inflammation and infection. Other causes can be high blood pressure, pregnancy, being overweight, trauma, stress / mental issues etc (anything that puts stress on the body). Having a high CRP reading can be indicative of increased chance of Cardio Vascular Disease. Continued high levels of CRP cause "Fatty plaque" which lays down in the arteries, increase chance of stroke and heart attack. Good ways to counteract an increase CRP level is with Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Flaxseed, lose weight, and of course, good old exercise. There, now everyone knows what all this darn mumbo jumbo is. I'll be scoffing the E and heading to the gym to continue my light cardio and muscle strengthening. I guess the major reason the doc is putting of chatting about this, is I am already doing the things I am supposed to to correct it. Now, stop distracting me, I'm supposed to be working.

TES, I am also Hypothyroid. I had Graves Disease and had a complete Thyroidectomy two years ago and have been Hypo since. I wonder if that is why i lose slow too?

Ultimately, it's no one's job but yours to figure out the best stuff to put in your body. People will always eat awful stuff because it's readily available and tastes good. People will equate offering food with offering affection, support, etc. (even though for someone trying to lose weight, this is backwards and crazy...it's just habit and they don't think about it) For some people it's a manners thing...I can't eat in front of someone else without offering to share, regardless of what I'm eating. Doen't matter if I'm eating a protien bar or a donut...if you're hanging out with me and I think you might be hungry...I'll offer you half. You can always say no. Sometimes, I make a mindful decision to eat junk food. I budget for it in my daily calories and I like proving to myself that I control food and food doesn't control me anymore. I like eating junk now, because I don't enjoy it as much as I used to and I don't feel out of control. I know that sounds crazy....but seriously...there is a satisfying victory in consuming 200 calories of something I used to be totally out of control with...and go...you know what? That's good, but I can take it or leave it now. I LOVE that I can take it or leave it now. And I really love that I'm being dead honest about that, because I have spent a lifetime lying to myself about food. I very honestly am not as reactive about food as I used to be...and that's a HUGE victory. Yep, I still like fat, sugar and salt. Most people do. But I can take them or leave them, and I can budget a sensible serving and not have my nutrition day ruined. I credit part of that to revamping my eating habits and microbiota due to the surgery, and part to food addiction work with my bariatric therapist. Both have been incredibly important.

Hi everyone.Well, I am on day one of the preop modified very low calorie diet and hoping that two Optifast meals a day won't give me a rash or violent tummy problems.(If anyone else here is interested I can post the modified preop diet for people who are reactive to the opti).My three year old curious son who always wants to eat what I do is very puzzled.He is slurping on a milo dessert he wanted because I was soldiering thru a optifast choc dessert for lunch-he is so cute Dr Mosse is still ordering urgent tests for me even tho the surgery date is in 2 weeks.I have to have an oesphageal manometry test now (to check for swallowing problems).So his final words to me on Mon were to start the diet, fill in the hospital paperwork and consent, but that he may not do the operation! He is so thorough I have already spent over $1000 on tests alone. Trying to stay positive and really appreciating reading this forum.

It could be mild reactive hypoglycemia. I get it with carb-heavy meals but more extreme and need to be careful. Try adding a bit more fat and protein to your meal and reducing carbs a bit. You can test your blood sugar using a tester you can get at the chemist. It shouldn't go much below 4. Test when you are feeling worst.

Hi everyone, it seems like this site has been very quiet for a few days... I don't feel so guilty about not getting to the computer to post.. Everyone must be out enjoying life and spring...........at least I hope that's what's happening!!!! I have been just trying to settle back into a sort of normal life... Was able to make it to church yesterday, but took my pillow for back support. My severe nerve pain is gone, but has been replaced with a plan old bachache that doesn't go away.. I know that will come with time. I did gain back 2 pounds....figured I would just from getting hydrated again.. I have a hard time drinking very much these days... But I'm working on it... I'm eating okay, not doing too much of the wrong things... What I haven't done is get back to my band routine.... Protein first... I haven't had the energy to cook, so have been going for what is handy and what someone else makes... I'm still at 293 and if I can hold there until my band gets reactivated I'll be very happy.... I hired a sitter for my granddaughter for the week.. Daughter is very nervous about it, but I just need another week without the strain of anything phsical with a 2 year old... I'm very close and can run to her if I'm needed.. It will be good for Mimi to have the interaction with other kids.. I think she'll be fine, but DD is a worrier like her mother!!!! I'm tring to work on my closet... Soooooo many clothes to move out and get rid of and try to find what I actually have for summer in the size I am now... It's a big job and will be doing it slowly.... At least it's finally warming up around here some and I can do capris and not worry about my too short pants!! DH left for work awhile ago and I should go do a little something now so I can rest again... Brother will be coming home from hospital today... He is divorced with 3 daughters... One grown with her own baby, who will be staying with him for a bit..... one, 17 who just had knee surgery on Friday, and one who is 11...... He has a semi-serious girlfriend, who will help with care, but lives in Bismarck and works.... And of course the ex, who causes all sorts of problems..... Anyway, they share custody and live about 2 blocks from each other... My mother, daughter and I went to his house yesterday and washed his bedding and straightened up a bit.... Will try to get some good, healthy food there for supper tonight if I can think of what to do... He is a smoker with bad eating habits who is going to have quiet a bunch of changes to make in his life... He and I are close, so will try to help as much as I can..... Hope everyone is refreshed from a good weekend... Have a good week...... Julie

Yep the food = Happiness ratio, is pretty high. For me the lapband initially began as a desire to say a proper and final farewell to yo yo dieting, that was a good few years ago and I never thought I would be able to afford it. By the time I looked at it again, it was from sheer frustration and pain. For a whole year I had been eating all the good stuff, fruit, veg, fish, red meat rarely. Yet I was still puttingon weight. At first I put it down to quitting smoking, then finally spoke tot he doc about it and discovered I had an underactive thyroid. Hoped the pills would resolve the weight issue, must admit had been tempted to up my dosage so my thyroid would kick into Hyper instead of hypo, but knew that was too stupid, even for me. Then the reality hit me, I had been dancing sine I was 7 years of age, I only stopped when I had my son and all my other niggly ailments buggered up any exercise regime. So it wouldn't have mattered even if the thyroid tablets were able to reverse the damage already done, there was no way I would be able to exercise to get it off. So really in the end I'm not doing it so much for the fat I will lose, which I know I can't wait to get back into just a 16! But, my health, each pound is another pound off my joints and maybe, just maybe I will be able to take up some form of dance again without crippling myself Also act like a looneyw ith my son, instead of worrying about getting carried away. I just want to be able to live again. I truly believe that the band is going to help me do that, psychologically I already feel ten times better, than I have for years. I have taken back control of my life a nd the disability is finally going to be second fiddle! Yee Haw. Guess it is a day for rants. H, your OH may take a very long time to come around, but he will. Don't be afraid to go to Chimay on your own, in some ways it may be better. You will be spending a lot of the time in the hospital and Chimay isn't exactly a great tourist destination. There were two women who brought their partners and we really didn't get to know them but there were three of us who were going solo (well apart from Jane with Gemma, but she was counted as one of the girls lol) and we supported each other and I really do feel that time being with others who are sharing the same experience is priceless. It's not that long till you will be going either H and Pilko how is the yoghurt going? Luv Sx

Okay, so I suffer from anxiety, after the surgery my anxiety got worse. After I reached the 1 year mark, I became unbearable. I lashed out at my family that they weren't supportive of my job and choices, and even cut them all off and quit talking to them (we are very close!!) I was so angry and shaky and anxiety driven ALL THE TIME. My anxiety medication didn't help a bit. What was worse is I KNEW they didn't do anything wrong, I was overreacting...but I was so angry all the time! It wasn't until a particularly bad night that I realized what was wrong with me: I had become hypoglycemic. My insulin drops quickly soon after I eat. It's an uncommon side effect, but not particularly rare. Hypoglycemia (or even low blood sugar) causes anxiety, shakiness, sweating, nightmares...everything I had been experiencing. I saw my doctor, am now taking my blood sugar level throughout the day, and am back to my regular self. Yes, my family forgave me! Lol! There is a difference between Reactive Hypoglycemia and low blood sugar, but as I said, simply having regular low blood sugar would do it. I thought I was going to have to be put in a looney bin. I'm so happy I found out what my body was experiencing. Lastly, it could that her blood levels are perfect, and she's simply feeling very insecure about herself and her choices. That's not an excuse to lash out at you; just give perspective. If it's hurting you, tell her you need some time to take care of yourself, and give your friendship a break. You need to be taken care of, and frankly she's going through so much stress and change that she can't be there for you. You need to be there for you and take care of yourself. I'm afraid to say that it's really no one's fault; just the worse timing for both of your needs to be met. Take a break and take care yourself, hon. And tell her to check her blood sugar, just in case....

Oh I am in for sure but have to figure out how to set up my PM. I need to update my account setting I will work on that this afternoon. YOu have Dr. Baggs everyone likes him and likes going in to see him. :-) I love talking to him because he really gets it. I always tell him things are easy when he sets goals (than don't make them) and he wants me to quit saying that!! LOL. He keeps telling me nothing about this is easy don't keep saying that!! I am registered over at Obesity.com but haven't checked in a year or so. I might need to reactivate my account again. WHat is going on over there?? SO Bella 25 is about 8 pounds a month........Maybe I should do that as well. It is probably more realistic than the 30 I would like!! I can't keep getting discouraged by setting outlandish goals it has been a whole 7 months of that. I need some successes to keep me moving! forward! :-) I think Pam is right small goals ......so if you instead of 25 pounds focus on the 8 X 3 or if you want to break it down more 2 pounds a week.................LOL. Yea Bella I will do the 25 pounds too that seems health and realistic..........and if I end up with more I won't complain! :-) That would still but me firmly under 200! I am lacto ovo vegetarian. And yep I am on top of the vitamins. Even when I was gaining weight I stuck with the vitamins......... Getting ready to watch Invitus and fold laundry.......trying to give myself an incentive to get the housework done!! LOL.

Thank you for taking the time to post a well reasoned, well written, balanced message. It sure sounds like there is something salvagable from this mess I've gotten myself into. Would you mind sharing the fb sites that have helped? I ditched fb for many reasons but would reactivate to find these helpful forums. I shared your msj with my niece, who is looking to become sleeved herself, and she too hopes this becomes something we can look forward to in our lives. Thanks again!

Hi. I found this thread through another thread. Can I just be super blunt here? From reading all of these comments in sounds to me that eating very little is what needs to happen for anyone to loose the weight (Hypo, Hashi, AF myself). If the point is to starve yourself then why bother to get a major surgery and risk complications? Starvation is the ONLY way I have ever lost weight in the past. I am not trying to be sassy but just being real. Comments? Thoughts? Contemplation? I have reached a breaking point with my body's failure to cooperate with trying to get the weight off with lots of exercise and calorie counting plus clean eating.

Hello, I had my first fill on the 19th. I have a total of 5.6 cc's and it's taking some getting used to. I didn't have a problem with any foods prior to the fill, now I'm hungry but can't eat much. I've done the whole Pb'ing etc..... even with mushies. Tuna was the only thing that worked today. I'm happy that the weight loss has been reactivated, but it's hard to keep enough proteins in me so that I don't feel light-headed.

I have to say I am surprised your dietitian would recommend regular rice. Like bread, rice is used as a "filler" in past years when families had a lot less money and food, adding a cheap filler like rice and bread to meal made the meat and other items go further. I also have found that to much rice can affect my RH (reactive hypoglycemia). I know at 4 months I was still eating about 3 oz at a meal, so I went for stuff that I knew would keep me sated longer.

Oh No Suzie!!! But at least it is a walker cast/boot. Crutches suck sooooo bad!!! Hope it heals quickly and quits hurting even sooner! Izzy and I just got back from our walk, I increased our distance, and made myself weak by the time I got home. We walk FAST! I am trying to wear her out and work me out! She is pretty good on the leash, better when Rick is with us. But she is learning our ways of what we want her to do. I am waiting for Kinsey to get home, then have to run into town, to get new meds for Rick, the new GERD meds are not working, and he is having problems swallowing. So off to buy his usual OTC kind. And he wants new socks! LOL, he actually, finally ask for them, he has some that are antiques I think! LOL My in laws left this morning for Texas. After telling us for the last few years they couldn't drive it, and dictating when Rick's vacation had to be taken, they suddenly left. Called me from the road. I called them several times yesterday to say happy anniversary, and no one would answer. They did not want us to know until they had already left. I hope they will be ok. It scares me so bad. She drives sooooo slow, not over 55 EVER. Not on the interstate, or anywhere. And he can't move well enough to look around and be reactive. Scary. But they are both well into their 80's now. They celebrated 65 years of marriage yesterday! Can you believe that!! The issue is that my DIL's parents are driving their motor home to TX to meet up with the kids when they come in, and my MIL is concerned about the farm house needing cleaned for them. They are not the kind who would care....but she does. I am finished working, I could have taken them and helped, but guess they preferred not. My dog is snoring....wore her out. Speaking of I need to go call the vet. She has an appointment tomorrow I need to reschedule.

I usually get my K and Na from propel or Gatorade zero - no sugar but electrolytes. Mu Fe is normal, I had medical issues before surgery, so I have elevated RBC, C - reactive protein, and platelet count, but low Na and low K. I by no means have a high sodium diet, my average intake is less than 1,000 and average around 700 with the propel or Gatorade. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Some patients experience a condition called reactive hypoglycemia. It sounds like you are experiencing periods of low blood sugar after you consume foods high in sugar content. Here is a link. https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/enewsletter-articles/reactive-hypoglycemia-postgastric-bypass You can search the internet for more information on this condition.

I would ask the surgeon for recommendations on that. As a side note, my psoriasis has cleared up a LOT since my surgery. Not cured by any means, but my skin is much less reactive and I've needed no treatments at all.

Dumping really isn't anything to "fear" and it's also not something that should be considered a guaranteed benefit of RnY. Although decidedly unpleasant, dumping is seldom serious and rarely requires medical attention. What folks often fail to realize pre-op is that a sizeable percentage of RnY patients never experience dumping. That really isn't too big of a deal since there is no scientific evidence that folks who experience dumping are any more or less successful that those who don't. There is a very long list of benefits associated with surgery and not one of them is attributed to dumping. The list of possible symptoms of dumping is fairly long but everyone is different and may or may not experience any given one. Vomiting, nausea, dizziness, accelerated heart rate - all possible symptoms. About two-thirds of patients experience early dumping which usually occurs 15 to 30 minutes following eating. The remaining one-third experience late dumping which usually occurs two to three hours following eating but can occur as much as twelve hours later. Late dumping is usually the result of reactive hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Dumping is often associated with foods high in sugar but dumping can also result from eating foods high in carbohydrates or fats. It can be easy to over eat for several weeks immediately following the surgery. Your pouch has nerves that function as stretch sensors. Those nerves send "full" signals to the brain. But for a period of time following surgery, those nerves are ineffective during the initial healing process. That's why you will often read folks saying they don't "feel full". It usually passes within a few weeks. Until then, it's doubly important to watch your portion sizes. Once things settle down most folks have little trouble knowing when they're full. You're gonna love the new you!!

I had heard pre sleeve that they take out the Ghrelin producing stomach (supposedly where 90% of Ghrelin is made. Heard the other 10% was in the pancreas) causing me to feel no hunger, either for a long period of time (ie: 6 mths-1yr) or ever. I've noticed that it's spread pretty evenly on this board: Those of us that still have hunger and those that don't (lucky dogs, btw) Thought I'd look up Ghrelin. I found that its produced in the pituitary, stomach, intestine, pancreas, thymus, gonads, thyroid, lungs, kideys, brain, and heart. Wow. I guess my other organs picked up where my stomach left off. I've been on Levothyroxine for my thyroid for about 10 yrs. Now that I've seen in writing that some of the Ghrelin is produced in the thyroid, I'm wondering if you have hypo/hyper thyroidism if that might affect ur levels of Ghrelin. Has anyone heard this? Does anyone have an upcoming appt with their surgeon where they can ask this question? Starting on day 10, I've continued to have hunger (real hunger, not acid or head hunger). While it's easily satiated (with a few bites), I'm hungry more often than pre sleeve. It gets embarrassing to inform my husband that I'm hungry "again" 90 minutes after my last meal. I feel that he thinks I'm a pig (I told him of my fear one day and he informed me that altho he teases me "Ur hungry AGAIN?", he's never felt this way). I hafta keep a baggy of almonds in my purse cuz sometimes I can't wait till I can get to a meal - then I make poor choices. Anyone else have a problem with hunger? And those that don't feel hungry post op: You have no idea how much I envy you!! I totally expected to be just like you

I had no nausea medication and I was fine. I took the option of taking the prescriptions and only getting the drugs if it came to needing them. None of us really know until the surgery how our bodies are going to react and what we might need. I preferred taking the approach of being ready and prepared should I need these drugs but reactive in taking them rather than precautionary.

Glad you have a meter to monitor what's going on. I was diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia. (complication from surgery) I worked with my bariatric, sports medicine and diabetes dietitians to get better control over my blood sugars. Here is an article: If you are diagnosed, Work with your team to find what foods and meal frequency work for your body specifically. June 2015 Issue CPE Monthly: Nutrition Tips for Reactive Hypoglycemia After Bariatric Surgery Reactive hypoglycemia (also called postprandial hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, or noninsulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia) is characterized by recurrent episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia occurring two to four hours after a high-carbohydrate meal (or oral glucose load). Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, especially those in whom the pylorus is bypassed (gastric bypass, biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch), may experience reactive hypoglycemia. The dietitian is key to helping these patients manage symptoms. Symptoms Patients may experience any of these symptoms one to three hours after a meal high in carbohydrates: hunger, feeling shaky, dizziness, sleepiness, sweating, anxiety, feeling weak, confusion, heart palpitations, fatigue, aggression, tremors, fainting, or loss of consciousness. Dietary Modifications Work with your patients to help them identify and eliminate from their diets simple sugars, concentrated sweets, high-fat foods, alcohol, caffeine, and lactose (possibly). They also should avoid skipping meals or consuming meals comprised only of carbohydrates. Focus on how you can help patients modify their diets, including the following: plan mini meals spaced equally throughout the day (three to four hours); make low-volume choices; consume high-protein levels at each eating occasion, pairing protein choices with complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables; choose healthful fats; and separate food and fluid intake by 30 to 60 minutes. Soluble fiber from guar gum, glucomannan, and pectin and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, (eg, acarbose) or somatostatin analogs (eg, octreotide) can help delay gastric emptying, increase small intestine transit time, and slow glucose absorption. Patient-Specific Tips Acknowledge that everyone may have different triggers for low blood sugar or reactive hypoglycemia. Advise patients to keep detailed food journals that you can review to identify patterns (eg, timing and amount eaten as snacks, meals, and drinks; blood sugar levels; feelings). Encourage patients not to use foods or drinks with added sugar to boost low blood sugar levels, as this can cause blood sugar crashes and spikes.

You may be ahead of the game if you haven't lost any hair yet. As I understand it, most people notice it very soon after surgery. That is what happened in my case. As far as taking anything for it, I think being proactive is better than being reactive. Hair loss is a combined result of a nutritional deficiency and the post operative shock that your body goes thru after major surgery. You may be one of those fortunate few who will not experience a significant hair loss. Keep doing what you're doing because it doesn't sound there's anything broken for you to fix! Good luck!

Non-generic thyroid meds are better. So say several of my endos, because the generics might have slightly different dosages. Once your levels are under control you should feel back to normal. The question becomes why did you go hypo? If there is an underlying cause, that should be treated, also.

I'm curious as to what are your symptoms. And did your physician diagnosis you with dumping syndrome. Because I in particular have reactive hypoglycemia. Mine is like an allergy to simple sugar. In the beginning I thought I had dumping syndrome. I have even once had Splenda in a tea then I ended up in the bathroom sweaty and in the bathroom. But now I get sweaty headache sometimes. Like my sugar drops. This to Carbs.