Late for Roll Call

Sorry, I missed roll call. I haven't been on the OH site very much lately. Mostly because I just don't feel like I fit in here anymore. Being the "odd" person out is so NOT fun!! I've had other wls friends tell me that they don't really want to hang out with me because I've lost my weight and they haven't !!!!!! OK then, whatever!!! I don't have anyone who is having the same problems as me, so I have no real support (you really have to experience this to understand it) everyone just keeps telling me "eat more".................. duh..................like I haven't thought of that one!!! Anyway, I've lost 140 pounds. I'm working hard to keep my weight loss at that. I'm that "1/2" percent of the wls population that has to struggle with losing too much weight. Mine is from mal absorbtion.... I just don't absorb enough. I've gone to two different surgeons - they really don't care!! I look great, so I am a success to them!! But I don't feel like a success. I eat ALL day long. A meal every two hours. And I still can not get in enough. I've resorted to eating junk!!!! McDonalds double cheeseburger wtihout the bun and apple dippers is an example of my lunch. I eat a lot of banana with peanut butter, and whole wheat toast with peanut butter. I use "regular" everything, no low fat stuff for me. And I'm still stuck in starvation mode. They tell me I need to eat 1500 cals per day and I should be doing good. I have been able to get up to 1200 cals per day (but that was by eatting TWO meals of McDonalds per day)... but as soon as I hit 1200 cals I started dropping weight again!! I can't get through a week without some problem coming up, lately it's been a lot of dizzy spells. I drink plenty of water, so I know it's not dehydration... but I don't know what it is. I'm tired of the fight, I'm tired of doctors not understanding me. I'm scared of the long term effects that this will have on my vital organs. And I'm sick and tired of ppl telling me to simply eat more!!!! But I look GREAT!!!!!!!!! I'm a size 4. My hubbie is thrilled with the way I look but scared for my health. My tt is healing nicely. I won't need my arms done, they're not bad. I'd LOVE to have my inner thighs done, but that's just a dream cuz we don't have the money. So that's it with me.... I'm still fighting along. I'm looking for a nutritionist who specializes in bariatric patients (my surgeon doesn't have one) especially if they know about the "problem patients" of this surgery. It was great to read everyones success. We sure have come a long way.... and surpassed many of our own expectations of this surgery!! WAY TO GO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs, Laurie

Hey, Laurie! Honey, you do fit in here. You always have and always will. I know that you are in a minority of folks for whom the surgery works to the extremes but it is your reality. I have seen other folks occassionally post on the main board or maybe even the grads board that are going through the same thing. I'm sorry that you are struggling with this and I can certainly understand your fears about what the future holds for your body. I'm sure it is scary. I hope that you can find a nutritionist to work with you and give you good suggestions as to how to maintain your weight and keep your health at it's absolute best. Big, big, BIG HUGS to you! Please stay with us and post. Kathy

Hi Laurie, I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. Yes you look AMAZING!!! Thank you for reminding us that this surgery is not all about looks and our health is the number one goal. I know what it is like to have a certain number in my head that I "should" weigh but honestly if I kept on losing to that point I would look sickly and I do not want that. I cannot understand why you would lose with increased caloric intake. There must be someone who can help. I sincerely hope someone can figure it out. Please do not feel like you do not fit in.... we are all in this together (even if some of us (cough *me* cough) do not post that often). I am always looking to hear about the trials and tribulations and it seems like many others are as well.

You're one of us, in my book. Don't ever feel like you don't belong here. I'm sorry you're having so many problems, I know it's been a really rough road for you. I commend you for doing as well (mentally) as you have done in spite of all the problems... Just a thought - have you tried adding some of those high-calorie protein drinks the body builders use? Not the ones we use for WL but the ones used for weight gain? Maybe you can add one or two of those to your day and see if that helps with the maintenance. Don't be a stranger! We love you!