Update and quick question

Hello, hello, hello! I hope you are all doing well as we approach our 2 year anniversary! I can hardly believe that it's been nearly 2 years since my surgery and what an amazing journey it's been! While I have maintained my weight without significant change for almost a year now (I appear to have found my 'weight' range, and have been relatively stable), and while I'd like to lose more weight, I don't know what more to do. Over the summer and fall I was incredibly active exercising (bicycling and walking) 6-7 days a week, and loving it. Since winter'**** my exercise habits have dwindled a bit, but now with the new year and my life falling back into a normal routine, I'm jumping on the exercise bandwagon again. I got the Billy Blanks Boot camp DVDs and I love them! I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised that even with the lack of exercise over the fall and the holidays, I didn't gain a lot of weight, I did move into the higher range of my weight, but never beyond. I need to jump start my weight loss, and appreciate the plateau buster that Mary posted the other day! I go back to the doctor on the 15th for my 2 year follow up, and need to really get my diet back in line. I drink all of my water and utilize protein bars or shakes for at least one meal a day to ensure that I get in all of my required proteins. I've incorporated small servings of vegetables with my dinner, which I really enjoy. On Monday night, I ran into a problem which I've had before, however, I've not had the lasting effects that I'm having this time. For the fourth time since surgery, I failed to properly chew something. Once it caused me to throw up; twice, I was in excruciating pain until somehow it finally passed. However, this last time, it didn't cause me to throw up, and it did finally pass through my system, but with considerable pain and discomfort. Since that time, I've not felt well at all. I can barely eat or drink anything without my pouch bothering me. All day yesterday and through the night, I was sluggish, irritable and achey. I woke up this morning feeling better, that was until I had my water and some of my coffee. Then the same problems occurred. My pouch has been 'talking' more than ever, gurgling and churning. I've been forcing myself to drink water and eat a protein bar, but very slowly (I started the bar almost 2 hours ago and am barely 1/2 way through it) and my stomach is just feeling weird. Has this happened to anyone? At this point, when I'm not eating or drinking my stomach feels best and doesn't cause any discomfort. I can't begin to tell you how tired I've been and it's just an odd experience. In the past, when I've had problems with something I've not chewed properly, once it's been resolved, I've been fine. I've not had this lingering issue. Any suggestions? Michelle

Michelle, Definitely call your doctor's office, explain what has happened and asked for their advice. It may be nothing more than you stressed your system and it is a bit swollen/irritated and needs time to heal. But in the meantime, it would be best to call and ask your doctor. If you aren't getting in the protein you need because of this, it could definitely cause you to feel out of sorts, sluggish, etc. Hope you feel better quickly. You might want to stick to liquids, soft foods as they would be easier on the tummy. Mary

MIchelle, Another reason to call the doctor is that you could have something stuck even tho you felt it passed thru. Mary

Thanks Mary! I'm feeling a little better today, not as sluggish, but tummy's still 'talking a lot' and nothing's sitting real well. I'll make contact with my surgeon today.

Michelle, Just wanting to let you know I hope you feel better soon and that everything is okay. Please let us know what you find out and how you are doing. Wanda