just over 5 weeks post op...

Hello, I had my surgery on February 2 and let me tell you, my recovery has been fantastic! I had minimal pain, and was back to work for half days two weeks post op. After one week of half days, I started back full time and while I was tired, I knew it was the right move. I have not had any problems and have been thrilled with how good I feel. I'm not tired, have begun my tae bo tapes this week and am just really pleased with how smoothly things have gone. I have told friends that aside from being full really easily, I wouldn't know I had anything done. That's how good I feel. I've got tons of energy and have been very lucky. I have not had any problems with any of the food that I've eaten! As I've said, I can't get over how good I feel and how positive this experience has been for me. The only area in which I'm disappointed is in my weight loss. While I've lost 33 pounds, I had hoped my weight loss would be a little higher. I know that I've been losing, as people have commented on it, and my pants are definitely on the baggy side. I had hoped that it would be a greater reduction, especially this early in the process when I'm eating so little still. I'm getting in 70-90 ounces of fluid a day (mostly water with some crystal light or sugar free kool-aid, very little caffeine) and am consuming close to 50 grams of protein a day (this varies somewhat and I know that some days it's probably a little lower and some days more). I've been doing some walking and this week have begun my tae bo tapes, which I love and I feel really good when I do them! Any suggestions from anyone? I am very happy to be on the losing side, but wouldn't mind speeding it up a bit! Michelle

Michelle, How wonderful. I'm so excited for you. I'm just two weeks out (still on liquids), but feel like you do. I've had no problems so far and feel great. I had open RNY. When I had open gall bladder back in 89 I was dragging for weeks afterwards. I can't believe this 51 year old body of mine has bounced back so quickly. I've been walking every day and using my gazelle (for walking motion only). See my surgeon next week and hope to be released to exercise and swim. I think everyone wants to speed up their weight loss, but that isn't always realistic. 33 lbs in 35 days is awesome. That is almost a full pound a day!!!!! Wishing you the best. Mary

You don't want to loose it any quicker than what you are. Your skin will elatize better if your slower. Keep up the good work. I am 36 days post op and have lost 31 pounds. I had a week plateau right after I moved from liquids to mush but back losing and feeling great.

Michelle, you may want to check with your doctor about the amount of protein. My nutritionist set my goal for 80 grams per day. There is a calculation that she does with your height and ideal weight that tells you how much protein you need daily. When I went to see her 2 weeks post-op, I thought I was doing great at 60 grams, when she told me 80, all I could think of was "how in the world" am I gonna get that and at least 64 oz of water when I can't drink 30 minutes before and 1 hour after my meals. I pretty much figured that I would have to give up sleeping to get it all in, but I have been focusing on the protein and working on getting more water. I need the protein to build muscle and keep my hair, I am getting over 40 oz of water and working my way up to more. I am drinking a lot of liquid protein and am hoping that it counts for some of the water requirement. I have to figure this thing out, but it sounds like you are doing well, Congratulations on the weight loss, you are shrinking, glad you feel so well!!!!

Michelle, I think you're probably right on track which is encouraging to me since I am ALSO a little over 5 weeks out and I've lost 34 pounds. I'd love to lose a little faster, but I can really begin to tell. Also, I've been measuring; have you? If not, start now. It's really, really encouraging. When the weight loss stops, I measure and it keeps me motivated to see that I've lost 25 inches! Hang in there. We'll both be fahhhhbulous by summer! Julie