Can I ask a personal question??

I am 6 1/2 weeks post op and I am lucky if I go to bathroom (#2) once a week. Actually....the times that I have gone are mostly due to eating the wrong foods....giving me diareaha. Also...I have noticed that for the last few weeks my weightloss has slowed tremendously. I lost a lot right off the bat...like 32lbs...but have struggles in the past 3 weeks to loose maybe even 2-3 lbs a week. I am guessing that I am eating too many carbs...pasta and such. It just seems to sit with me well. Meats...like chicken...I get an awful tightening feeling after I eat it...then I either burp lots and lots...or have to through up. I know this is the honeymoon period...so I want to loose the most I can now...cause I know it is going to slow down....I am just not ready for it to slow down yet!! Please give me advice....who has been having really good weight loss...what type of foods are you eating? Also....is anyone else having troubles going to bathroom.....or not going very often? Thanks!!

Stacey, I take a colace (generic) every day and that helps me to go every 2 to 3 days. If I don't go then I increase that pill. On other boards I have read that Flax Seeds are good to crush and mix in with foods to help increase fiber. My MD says eat protein first, then veggies, then a bite of carbs if you have room. I havent even tried pasta or rice since surgery (even tho I love it) since it really isn't what I need to eat. I have been able to eat bbq pork and chicken without problems if I chew, chew, chew! Shrimp is ok too. So, my 2 cents, drink at least 64 oz liquids, but not with meals. I try to walk 3 to 4 days a week for at least 20 minutes. We are about the same distance out, and you have lost more than me. You must be doing something right!!! Smile Michele Mason -34

Stacey: I had surgery on the 18th of May. I have been stuck at a plateau for 3 wks after losing only 20 lbs!!! I have had troubld with constipation also until I started drinking Propel fitness water. I drink 2 bottles each day along with ice and this morning I lost 2 lbs and had the best bowel movement I have had in a while. Maybe you need to drink more water to get you regular and help[ with the weight lose. Roberta

I am 8 weeks post op and can relate with what you are going through. For the first 6 weeks I went about every 3-4 days and it was usually diarrhea. About 1-2 weeks ago I started eveniing out. My stool is still soft and I stillget some grease globules, but I usually go every morniing. The problem is that it is usually right after my first bite of food. I found that if it is too loose it's usually becauseI'm eating too much grease. Maybe carbs are affecting you that way.

Stacey, I can definetly relate...surgery date May 26th...4 wks I lost 34 lbs...gained about 5 then weighed this morning (6wks tomorrow) and have lost 6 for a total lost of 35 (plus I'm on my period, so it may be a little more of a loss...I will try to weigh next Wednesday). It seems like the more I can get to stay down the more I loose...I was having a hard time, but over the last week or so everything is getting easier...I usually eat the wrong thing atleast once a day (too fast, don't chew enough, or just won't sit on my tummy), but today I haven't gotten sick at all...YAH!! As for my BM's...I'm lucky to go once every 2-3 days...not like before surgery at all when 1-2x's a day was normal...and they are soft which is good, my hemroids haven't bled since surgery. I wouldn't worry as long as when you do go you don't have any pain or have to strain real hard. I love this web site...atleast I don't feel crazy, because we all seem to have similar issues Bye for now, Michelle

I had open rny 5/3/04, and I can relate! Constipation has been a major problem for me too. My doctor finally called in a prescription for Miralax, which has helped. I tried colace first, but it didn't do the job for me. I have been pleased with my weight loss so far (60 lbs.). I am not eating any refined flour or sugar. I am just eating alot of protein, and have started to drink more protien shakes, which seems to be a key for the people in my support group who have lost well. Maybe try softer meat, like deli turkey or ham sliced very thin. I can't handle things like baked chicken yet - it makes me throw up. Good luck, and hang in there - you are doing great! Terri F.