Wanda, Well I can't answer most of your questions but the last one and it's not really an answer so much as a personal observation. I have noticed that me veins seems MUCH more visable then they were and yes, they seem big to me too. I think it's simply because they buried under layers of fat for so long that we didn't realize they were actually supposed to be visable. I know that before surgery they used to have to hunt for veins to take blood and now it's super simple for them to find one. Maybe you should go see a dietician regarding your protien and eating habits. They may be able to help. They might know if there are tests to see if you just don't absorb protien well or perhaps give you some different types of protien to try that tend to be absorbed better. My surgeon has partnered with a dietician so they are really familiar with WLS patients. You surgeon might have one too. Hope that helps a little. Corinna Q

I wish I could help you Wanda. I have no clue why these things are going on. I do know that some anti-depressants can cause depression to worsen or to develop when you take them. I would bring that up with your doctor for sure, maybe there is something else that they can put you on. It will be interesting to see if anyone else has any answers for your other questions.. Best of luck to you... HUGS, Shawn M.

Can anyone answer any or all of these things that have me puzzled? Here goes... 1. I have not counted calories or exercised much since my first plastic surgery in October. I was eating a lot of carbs, but yet my weight stays around 140. Why haven't I gained more? I had days where I exercised a lot since October, but every time I get started I have to have another surgery and not exercise for four more weeks. 2. When I told my doctor that my eating was out of control she prescribed Wellbutrin, which is an antidepressant. I wasn't depressed before, but I am now. Could the Wellbrutin have caused depression? 3. I consume around 100 grams of protein per day, but my protein is still low on my labs (and has been on every lab since surgery). Could I just be genetically geared to require so much more protein than the average person? How weird is that? 4. My veins/arteries are really visable in my arms and legs. They look huge. Is this because of the exercise or the weight loss? Has this happened to you? Does anyone have an answer or opinion on these things? As you can see--I have way too much time on my hands to sit here and think of these things! Wanda

Wanda, At least Hank's trips are during the week! He was in Ohio last week and leaves Tuesday for Oklahoma but he's home on the weekends. That must suck not having Randy home on the weekends. The weather was wonderful for the Greek Festival, outdoor symphony and the Relay for Life last night. I enjoyed my Greek food and was full but didn't overeat. Thankfully, I walked over 5 miles at the Relay and we left there at midnight. It was very sobering walking along that path looking a the names of the victims and survivors of cancer along the track. Today my plan is to eat healthy since weekends are so much harder for me to stay on track. I'll get some exercise. I'm debating whether or not to call my friend and walk this morning or take my bike out on the trails. Ok, everyone, let commit to having a good weekend! Get some exercise and make good choices! CeCe

First of all, let us all remember Susan and her family this weekend. Secondly, it's like pulling teeth getting you guys to post these days! The weather here is fantastic. I hope it is where you are too! I'm keeping up ith my calories, protein, etc. but I don't like it! How are you doing on tracking? Tonight my calorie budget will likely be blown because we are going to the Greek Festival. We've decided to share an entree but I'm thinking hubby will end up ordering more than one! We'll see! From there we are going to the symphony. A couple of times a year the Va. Symphony gives free outdoor concerts. I might have told you that just before the last one was over, rain poured down that sent thousands of people running toward parking garages with lawn chairs covering their heads! Boy were we soaked! There's no rain predicted for tonight! After the symphony, we'll run home to change and then head for the Relay For Life. A trainer I've known for 8 years or more has non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. She is such a trooper and still pushes herself in the gym. She is stage 4. Next month she will get a bone marrow transplant from her twni sister. Thank God she has one. In fact, 5 years ago my friend had a dream that her sister was going to have to save her life and now she will. The rest of the weekend I'm planning to eat very healthy to undo any damage I may cause tonight! I'm going to have some Moussaka and Spannikopita! I hope to get in a couple of bike rides and walks too! Tell me what you re planning this weekend and how you will keep your calories in check! Have a great one! CeCe