Hi fellow "May Babies" -

My surgery was now 7 weeks ago, and I have a lot of the same issues as most of you. while I've had a pretty big weight loss (40+ lbs) in these 7 weeks, I did have a 10-day stall where I did not lose a thing. Everyone loses at a different rate and in a different way, we need to ALL remember that. During my stall was when I went down 3 dress sizes. I, too, had several sizes stashed as "just in case a miracle occurs" bins in my garage, so i haven't bought too many clothes, but I'm almost through all fo those clothes. I actually have a pretty good amount of clothing to last me until I lose another 20-25 lbs, I hope.

I have challenges with gettign in my water and protein every day, as well as enough food. I try to make sure that I try to eat 3 x a day, 2 protein shakes, and water in between all of that, but I get busy at work and while I'm chasing around my son - if I can just get thr drinking during those ties I'd probably at least meet my water goals.  I keep trying every day and try not to get discouraged if I don't make my goal.

I eat most things, but my faves are ricotta cheese with splenda, modified chicken taco salad ( no lettuce), scrambled eggs with melted mexican velveta, and my morning protein shake which consists of Vanilla Protein powder, ice cubes, and Trop 50 w a 1/2 banana or a few chunks of frozen Mango blended. I sometimes change the protein shake to be choc peanut butter (no sugar added peanut butter) banana or Vanilla hazenlut or something, but I miss fruit so much that my AM protein shake is usually fruity.  I also try to have an adkins Carb Control or EAS Myoplex Chocolate or Strawberry ready-made protein shakes in the evening, though I often just don't feel like I have room for it.

I have been having a lot of tenderness and pain in my new stomach area, and today after I called my surgeon's office for the second time this week they told me that I may have a hernia or have strained my healing incisions. I have to take it easy and for now until I see my doc, I'll have to rely on pain meds to keep me comfortable. Big bummer, becuase I'd like to start riding my bike and lifting light weights to change it up a bit. I also want to play some tennis, but that will have to wait for a while becasue with this pain there is no way I can run (and bouce around like that!).

I am most amazed that I suddenly no longer snore - I was as loud as a jackhammer for years, and now nothing. I still apnea, but not as often and shoudl sleep with my CPAP more often - I'm trying. Its hard to use when I wake up with my mouth incredibly DRY, though, but I'm trying to do it more.

That's it in a nutshell - it's great to hear from everyone as to how you're doing and what challenges you are having. I wish each and every one of you success and good luck, and dont' hesitate to message me if you'd like - friends are what keep us all going and I'm always open to new ones!

Happy 4th!

Sandra 

Since my surgery date I’m down 42lbs and 4 pant sizes.   If you count the pre-surgery diet, I'm down over 75lbs.  I"ve had 3 issues/dumping.   The first was on the 3^rd day home when I drank to much water to fast.  I won't do that again.   As of last week I got the go ahead to start lifting, which is something I’m looking forward too. 

Hey May'ers!

I will be 2 months post~op on the 5th of July and I feel like I am doing great! I am down 45 pounds so far. Not having any issues (knocking on wood) I can walk 2 miles a day & I am exercising  3-4 days a week in addition to walking. I am also starting to do some yoga ( who would of thunk I would be doing all this!!)  I have dumped once (booo!) and thrown up 2 times only because I ate too much. I am enjoying not thinking about food or craving food for the first time in 20+ years. I started out in tight 24's and I am now in loose 18's, thank goodness I have all sizes in my closet! lol
My only regret is not doing this YEARS ago!

27 lbs sounds good to me, I think your doing pretty good.  I have lost 17lbs so far and granted I had surgery after you but I still think you ahead of me on the weight loss front.

I have been told that I need to get at least 70g of protein a day but also told the more the better.  Also I have been told at least get 1500g of calcium per day.  Granted we are all on different plans I am sure your weight loss will come in time but again 27 lbs is a great start for one month.

Sandy

Well tomorrow will be 7 weeks out for me.   I am doing pretty well.  I am active for the most part, still on "limited activity" for another week from the doctor.  I managed to get a massive sinus infection a couple weeks ago and that took a lot out of me.  I was getting my exercise up before getting sick and now am starting back where I was. 

I have not had much trouble with food, a few times that I have it has been related to not measuring my food and just trying to guess.  I typically guessed too much and thus got sick.  My pouch didn't like eggs, I might have to try them again.  I also have trouble with reheated seafood.  I tend to try and play it safe and am very cautions about trying new foods.  

Over all I am not happy with my loss so far.  I constantly read about people losing 40+ pounds in the first month or so and I just don't understand how.  It frustrates me and I get very discouraged.  I get my protein in, I get my water in and I am walking, which is all I am cleared to do.  I know everyone loses at their own pace, but it seams that the only people that post are the ones that have the amazing weight losses and the lower end people just hide.  So I feel like a failure.  I have lost a total of 35 since my pre-op diet and only 27 pounds in the past 7 weeks.  I have hit 2 week long or more stalls in that 7 weeks.  it is very discouraging.  I thought being that I have so much to lose I would drop quickly in the beginning.  Such is not the case, I hope once I can exercise more it will come off easier.  

I also wonder about my diet... the nut at my surgeons office is new and very wishy washy so I wonder if I am getting enough calories and protein.  She told me under 600 calories a day, 60-70 grams of protein, saying any more would be wasted calories, and no more than 50 carbs. Part of me thinks this is too low.  She also said I only needed 500mg of calcium a day. 

So this turned into more of a rant/pity party, but this is where I am, and how I am feeling and doing with it all.  So far my results are not what I was hopping for.  I had hopped to be down a few more clothing sizes and have lost more so my back and knees wouldn't hurt so much... sigh give it time I know...

Hope everyone else is doing better :)