It's the oddest thing. Started a few days ago. It comes and goes but usually is very present by the end of the day. It's the mid back region, not lower, on the right side. And the thing it, it doesn't feel like muscle ache, it's a different sort of ache but is not severe... On top of that, my muscles are aching and groaning, particularly in the morning. I feel ancient. I'm wondering if the muscle aches, or the back pain (which is separate and different) are signs of anything I should be worried about. Neither is debilitating and I'm just worrying, probably for nothing. Anyone else experiencing something similar?

Before anyone pushes the panic button, I'd try adjusting the diet first. I'm six weeks post op and this week I've felt like I'm starving on a daily basis. I put a lot of time into over analyzing my issues and problems and paying attention to details and this is what I've found. This weeks diet (for me) consisted of more carbs than I'd had in the past. The carbs can make me feel a quick fullness (ie. I eat x amount, feel full, but then half an hour later, I'm raiding the kitchen again). Another thing to consider is hormones. I get hungrier during the pre-menstrual week to ten days and that's what time of month it is. Perhaps your cycles are similar? Or maybe for you it's post-menstrual? It's at least something to consider. I wouldn't expect this to change with the surgery. What I'm trying to do is to make sure I'm getting enough proteins and always keeping my drink at hand. If you feel hungry, eat something, but make it a protein based food. I think we need to remember that as time goes on we WILL be able to eat a bit more at one sitting. I'm not saying it's ok to binge or overeat, but my diet says that at six weeks I can increase my liquid and food intake (per serving) and this has helped somewhat with the hunger. I just needed a bit more. Anyway, I'm rambling on and on but my point is this: Don't over react or panic. I think feeling hunger is natural. Consider how little you are actually eating and how much of an adjustment this is for your body. Feeling hungry, to me, has been associated with recovery. I assumed it was a healthy sign. My hunger pains aren't severe or overwhelming. If they are for you, then maybe there is some underlying problem that needs to be addressed and you should always discuss things with your doctor. But if it's just a normal sort of hunger, I'd try to see if your diet and lifestyle can compensate a little. You are human first and WLS patients second. It's ok to feel human and want to eat from time to time. Double check your diet, try some new foods or combinations, everyone is different and maybe you just need some fine tuning to conquer that hunger.

You guys... I want to just hug you all. My surgery date was July 31st. I'm six weeks + post op, down 31 or 32 pounds, and frustrated. It's very difficult to not compare yourself to everyone else. But what you all have posted is incredibly true! We are all different. I do believe that exercise makes the BIG difference and I sure do need to get out and do more. I can't argue with that. I'm walking, but only about three nights a week. That's about to change. Measuring inches can be a great ego boost as well. On weeks when you don't lost pounds, you might notice that the inches are still melting away. Unfortunately, I never took my measurements pre-op because I didn't want to know. I guess I can start now. Better late than never, right? Keep your chins up and hang in there! WE are going to be success stories too.

Hi Stacey, Thanks for a great post. I am feeling a bit frusterated with my slow weight loss. According to my dietician I am average but it sure doesnt feel average, feels slow. I am 8.5 weeks out and have lost about 33 pounds. I started at 234 and am 5'2. I go weeks without a ounce lost. I have recently started at Curves and hopes that changes everything. I try so hard to keep a positive attitude but sometimes it is hard. Thanks again!

Have you tried Unjury protein powder. They make chocolate, vanilla and unflavored. I could not tolerate any protein shake till I tried teh chocolate one. It tastes just like chocolate milk and mixed with 6 ounces of skim milk gives you 26 grams of protein. I love it! www.unjury.com I believe they have a money back guarentee. Good luck!