At my one month post op visit I was anemic and low on Vit D. My dr. put me on iron, vit D for 6 weeks, and b 12. He has said that I will take the b 12 forever and may be able to give the iron up in the future. I have been lucky, I feel great and have loads of energy. I will have my next blood work up done late Dec.

I have similar problems, although not as severe as you. I live in the Sacramento Valley where we have lots of allergens, and I have year round allergies and runny nose. I have lots of post-nasal drip, and if I don't cough up the excess mucus or blow my nose frequently, I feel like my pouch is filling up too. However, when I drink lots of water, it seems to thin the mucus. Some foods, like (slimey) shrimp or oily foods (like chicken skin) leave a slimy feel in my mouth & throat, and I can just feel that mucus (or snot) mixing with the slimeness of the food. Also, when I eat too fast, and I overeat, I can feel that snot coming up with the "overflow" (amount of food that I over-ate). It's almost funny, but the snot seems to lubricate my throat and helps get the excess food out easier. (Yea, I know, throwing up isn't really funny, but it helps remind me to eat S-L-O-W-L-Y) I do find that lots of water helps me. Maybe you can ask your drug store or pharmacy if any of the cold medicines are sugar free. If not, as your primary physician (or advice nurse) if they have any recommendations for a good sugar free cold medicine that you can take. --Sandi H. (Citrus Heights, Sacto County) Surgery by Dr. Leo Murphy - 6/03/04 (Pacific Bariatrics in San Diego) weighed 315 at orientation (May '03) -- BMI 60 252 at surgery --BMI 46.1 last weighed at 215.5 (8/14/04) -- BMI 40.6 sandiantoytrain @ yahoo . com

Good job June Bugs!!!! Bonnie Vicars Lab RYN 6/25/04 Orginal Weight: 353 Current Weight: 275

I actually go in for all of my bloodwork on 9/7/04. I am having the same problems as you are. I can hardly eat, I had my surgery on 6/25/04 and as of yet I haven't been able to tolerate any vitamins or protein supplements. Please keep me advised as to what you find out. I wish you much luck ; )

Has anyone's lab work come back showing any vitamin deficiencies? I go in for my first labs on Thursday, and I'm sure my blood will show a deficiency. It takes everything in me to get down the little bit of food that I eat... sometimes I just can't stomach a vitamin. I almost always take them, but there are a few days when I just can't. What is done for a vitamin deficiency? Do we get shots? Does anyone have a problem taking their vitamins? Has anyone been told they have a vitamin deficiency?