Jen: Thanks for your kind words. I'm looking forward to joining your celebration. My noisemaker is ready to go. Jesse

Pat: Sorry it took so long to reply back..I haven't been online because I have been so busy. The way I get my protein in is mainly protein bars and protein shakes. I eat the genisoy protein bars...less than 2g of sugar..160 calories..and 15 grams of protein and I drink the Atkins protein shakes...170 calories..less than 2g of sugar and 20 grams of protein. Normally, what I do is eat real food for a week (boiled eggs, cheese, meat..things like that) and then for the following week...I will eat two protein bars, two protein shakes, and a super small meal to get my protein in. The best thing you can do is keep a food journal...the plus factor for that is it keeps you honest...you will be less likely to snack I hope this helps.

Ive had dumping problems since day one, but now its worse. Now after a little sugar or white carbs I get so tired and weak I have to lie down. It is definately incentive to not eat! If I just have to have a bite of something I follow it with some protien, and that helps alot! Good luck! Jenn

No LeeAnn you are not the only one who feels that way. I still feel so very fat. I am down from 258 to 168 ( have gained a pound in 3 wks.instead of losing it!). I still feel huge. I still wonder if i can sit in certain chairs, or wont wear certain things cause I think I look too fat in it. Its a mind game. We all have it and some of us are more affected by it than others. I am only 5'2 so each ounce shows up so much on me. I have people tell me all the time how good I look and I dont need to lose any more and I think wow these folks are crazy, cant they see Im still fat? Today has been my worse day since surgery. I went and weighed and realized that instead of losing weight I gained weight. I have cried no n stop since 8 am. So no honey you are not alone. We'll all have these feelings off and on. It does get better I hear..... Hugs, Carol Lap rny 9-22-03 258/168/120

I have been going through the same thing. The difference is that I have been experiencing this since 3weeks post op. I have not been able to go without using something like MOM or Correctol. When it gets really bad I use a Dulcolax suppository. It is very uncomfortable and I am beginning to think ther is something wrong with me. My Doc didn't seem to feel anything was wrong so I have yet to be tested for any kind of blockage. just yesterday I spoke with a nurse and she told me to use metamucil every morning with breakfast and at night after dinner and to use a fleet enema every day until I become regular. Okay, doesn't that sound a bit extreme? and I wonder is this going to be a life long problem? how much fiber should one have anyway? and by the way, waiting three days before you bring out the explosives might be what is causing the back up which is causing the pain,(only speaking form m y own experience) If I do not have a BM by the AM on day two, I am taking something for it. I hope all is well with you and that it is only slow moving pipes and hopefully with a little help will be resolved soon. take care.