First Post since RNY Surgery April 21, 2006

I'm doing okay, however I not getting in my water or protein. Also I can't take the Calcium Citrate pill. My energy level seems to be improving. I am also having trouble learning to eat slowly and chew, chew, chew. . . . I have lost 15.2 pounds as of May 19, 2006, but my weight has gone up and down like a yo yo. I try not to stress when it goes up and sure enough in a day or two it will go down. Starting Weight: 210 Present Weight: 194.8 Goal Weight: 110 Have a great weekend

Is your calcium a powder capsule? I think I heard of someone putting their calcium into their protein shake. I'll have to look into that. Congratulations on your weight loss. I have to remind myself to chew chew chew.... I guess it will eventually become habit but for now I have to concentrate on it when I'm eating. Good luck Lizzie

Hi Brenda! Glad to see you are doing well. My docs say do the best you can on the protein, but don't stress. More important is the fluids. They treat many people for dehydration, but treating someone for malnutrition after Gastric Bypass is pretty rare. Is the calcium citrate a chewable? Our docs say only buy the chewable calcium, that way you know it is getting dissolved adequately. Try not to weigh so often, if it is going up and down that quickly, it probably is water weight, which has nothing to do with your real body weight. I am also struggling with eating slowly enough, and remembering to chew thorougly, but I am learning..... Mostly because if I don't it feels terrible! I am betting that with your lower starting weight that your weight loss is right on track. My docs said 4-6 pounds a week, but I was starting out at 342. The closer you get to your goal weight, the slower your loss will be unless you change the balance of food intake and physical activity. Best of luck to you! Heidi L-S

Welcome Home!! I had some trouble getting in my protein too. Now it is much easier as I am able to eat more dairy. I eat string cheese, cottage cheese, chicken from a can w/ a bit of FF mayo to moisten, fish, shrimp and protein shakes. All of thoes items have protein in them. Are you getting in your water? that is more important right now, just to stay hydrated. Good luck~

Brenda, Congrats on your weight loss keep the positive attitude just remember as long as we lose it doesnt matter how much or how long just as long as we do right? Glad to hear you are doing well...keep up the great work hugs and love lisa

Hi Brenda. Have you tried the chewable Viactive Calciums? They are like a little square of chewy chocolate (or caramel if you prefer). You can buy them at CVS or at Wal-Mart and both of those places have store brands of it so you can save a little. Lisa L. 380/339/170

Thanks, I tried the caramel Viactive and they are great. Brenda 210/193/110

Hi Brenda, I found Calium Citrate Petite pills, and I use a pill splitter to break them in half. That way they are easier to get down. I read online that the Viative are made from calcium carbonate, and that our new tummy absorbs calcium citrate better. Maybe you could try these. Have a great day, Wendy

The caramel Viactive Calciums are YUMMY. I think of them as my "candy" of the day . Not getting enough liquids isn't good. You have to stay hydrated. It doesn't just have to be water. Are you trying Crystal Lights? And I know it's got some sugars in it but my doc said it's better to have Gatorade than not to get all liquids in. I'm just now able to get all mine in without drinking Gatorade and I'm 4 weeks out on Thursday. I know every one of us are different and have different results but it seems like you should be down more than 15 pounds in a month. But I just looked up and noticed your starting weight was 210. It seems the less you have to lose, the less you actually lose the first month. Mine was 305 and I've lost 35 pounds in less than a month. (I'm not comparing the two, just trying to figure out why there'd be such a big difference in loss). I know you said you're not getting your protein, do you have any idea how many grams you ARE getting? And how many calories? You have to eat in order to lose. My doc and nutritionist said if we don't get enough protein and calories, we won't lose. But just think of it as that's 15 pounds gone forever . I've not had a problem with the chewing but I'm certainly having a problem with the amount of time we're supposed to spend eating. I don't know how anyone can take 30-45 minutes eating 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup of food. I mean.. you can only chew so much and so slow. Unless we're supposed to take long breaks between bites, that rule is just .