2 months post-op and 74 lbs down

Pre-op, I was 418lbs (Male, 6'3"). I'm already down 74 lbs to 344 and I can feel the weight just falling off. 6" off my waist and down 3 suit sizes. LOT's of energy. Blood pressure almost normal and I haven't used my CPAP since coming home from the hospital. Feeling GREAT! Eating is a challenge. Can't tolerate anything sweet, even those foods with artificial sweeteners. Scrambled eggs come back up, I don't know why because pre-op they were my favorite breakfast food. Love fruits, veggie's and cheese. Hardest part is keeping up with clothing - everything is baggy and belts are wrapping around to my back. No regrets! Best decision I ever made!

CONGRATS!

Joseph, How wonderful. Congratulations!!!! Scrambled eggs seem to be a common problem for post-ops. I tried them last week and it got stuck, thought I might die (not literally) from the pain and upset stomach. I posted to the board and many said they had problems with eggs. Here's some tips: 1. Try egg beaters, many can handle those instead. 2. Try egg whites not the yolks. 3. Try hard boiled eggs rather than scrambled. Many posted that after about 3 to 4 months they were able to eat eggs again with no problems. Not sure what the difference is. So it looks like you should be able to eat them again, just have to wait awhile. Mary

Mary, Thanks for the advice. Take care and best regards, Joe

Joseph, you are my hero!! Truly an inspiration. I feel like a preop comapred to you. I started at 380lbs. 5"11" and am just 6 weeks postop. I've only lost 45 lbs. (though I am definately not complaining ) Maybe you can tell me what you're doing for exercise, and I'll do it. Nice going man God bless, Bob.

Dear Bob, Thanks for the note. As for excercise, I didn't do anything until about a week ago. Now I'm going to the gym twice a week for about an hour each session. The first session was very difficult and tired me out very quickly. The second and third got progressively better. I think that the reason I'm losing so fast is that I've almost completely lost my appitite. I have either a small toasted bagel or cold cereal for breakfast. Then I usually skip my mid morning meal (not good or recommended). For lunch, I'll have some meat for protein. This is really my easiest meal as I eat out with my work buddies, and can order a hamburger or turkey burger (sans roll). My afternoon snack is usually a piece of fruit or sometimes maybe hard cheese. By dinner time, I just don't feel like eating. I really have to force myself. Whenerver I don't feel like eating, I try to fall back on some pre-op favorites like chili or chicken stew. (not recommended if you're less than 5 weeks out). For my nighttime snack, I try to have some more fruit. Someone recommended that I try to eat protein bars for my snacks. I'm going to buy some this afternoon and try them. Bob, never loose sight of the fact that you did the right thing. If you're like me, I sometimes have my own pity parties and wish that I could eat like the rest of my (much thinner) family. However, whenever my wife sees me in those types of mood's, she writes down on a piece of paper the amount of weight that I've lost thus far. I immediately feel better! especially for one like me who has been morbidly obese for the past twenty years. The other day I had to go on an airplane for a business trip. The first time since post-op. To my most pleasant surprise, I didn't have to use a seat belt extension. You'll know the feeling that I had, it was outstanding (and a little emotional). Clothing is a now a problem. Belts are starting to wrap around, pants are baggy, shirt collar's are very loose. I was able to find a discount seller of big men's clothes, and I buy a few things at a time. Please keep up the good work and don't be discouraged. And while I'm not a doctor, may I recommend that you have your thyroid checked. Drastic changes like those that we have undergone, sometimes wreck havoc on the metabolism. Stay well, and write back when you get a chance. Best regards, Joe

Congrats. Keep up the good work. Tell me how you do it.

Go Jo, Go!!!!!!! Great work, I love to hear inspiration. Eileen

That is wonderful news! I use to like scrambled eggs too, but can't stand them. They get cold too fast, and I just don't care for them. Breakfast is really a hard meal for me to deal with. Debbie -32

Debbie, Thanks for the encouragement! Actually, breakfast is my easiest meal. I usually have a small bagel with cream cheese or peanut butter and maybe a fresh strawberry or two. Alternatively, I'll have a small bowl of cold cereal (letting the milk soften the cereal) and some fruit. Both are quick and easy to prepare. Good luck! Best regards, Joe