Hi Emily! I am 16 weeks post op RXY and have lost 76.5# since my surgery. In the past 2 weeks or so the weight is coming off very slowly - 1 to 2-1/2 # week maybe. I am a member of the local YMCA and have made a committment to swim every morning before work 45 min daily. I weigh myself 1x a week. But it is making me crazy lately. I am considering weighing in every 2wks. I am trying to make myself drink 2 quarts of water and increase my protein by using protein drinks every other day. I use real meals very good. When I am down another 15-20# I plan to start walking on weekends also, in my neighborhood. I need to keep the swimming up for therapeutic reasons on my arthritis joints. RXY 10/17/03 296.5# down to 220#

Sorry that you are having problems, but I'm relieved to know that I'm not the only one having this trouble. I'll be having my third dilation next week. I'm back on pureed foods again for now, but I seem to do well with crackers also. I have noticed also that the numbers on my scales aren't moving very fast any more and that I occasionally will gain a pound or two. Usually my monthly cycle contributes to gaining water weight. I don't think that will ever change! My main source of protein continues to be Unjury protein powder in skim milk. If you haven't tried this supplement, I can't recommend it enough. Not thick and gunky and tastes great. Anyway, best of luck to you and hope you don't have to have another dilation.

maybe with the lid you were getting air into your pouch? That sounds reasonable to me! whatever it is, i'm so glad that you're having a better day. Take care of yourself! Amy

Pam--The way I found out at first about the dilation was because I was vomiting a lot. Often it was just the "foamies" but this is a big indication that there is probably a stricture. Then I started vomiting again but not all the time, mainly with meat and I thought this was just the way things were going to be and let it go for way over a month. I was having my 3 mo check up and mentioned it to the doctor and she scheduled me for a second dilation and said DO NOT wait so long the next time. Well, 2 weeks after that 2nd one I started vomiting again and called and she did a 3rd one. Hopefully this will do the trick, but I know not to wait so long the next time. So to answer your question, vomiting is not normal, not being able to eat certain foods is normal and you just have to experiment. I find that the Hormel Pork tenderloins do much better for me than any other meat. I have baked them, grilled them and even pan fried it and the meat is tender and goes down without any problems. Are you using a protein supplement? I can't do "funky" tastes but I find that the 100% Whey from GNC in the black label and I get double choc and put a scoop in s/f hot choc and I have that every morning. You just have to make sure that the water is not boiling hot or the protein clumps and is yucky. This stuff seems a bit pricey, but I got a big container in Oct and still using it. I'm hoping that it will last until the first of March because GNC gives a 10% discount the first week of each month. I hope this helps answer your question. If not, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] Marilyn

What symptoms do you have that requires a dilation? I have wondered about me, that's why I ask. I am still having problems eating certain foods and if I don't eat cheese and/or nuts every day, I won't get my protein in. I am just now able to eat lettuce. Just wondering what your symptoms were/are. Thanks and good luck!