1 Year Check-up

Had my 1 year check-up today. All labs were, in the words of my Nutritionist (Brittany Ray), "perfect". My surgeon said something that I have never heard. He said that I need to gain some weight!!!! How 'bout that? And, Ms. Ray recommended to my surgeon that I speak during their seminars for new/prospective patients. I accepted gladly. I'll post the pics that she took of me and Dr. Halmi when she sends them along. Now... ON TO YEAR TWO!!!

Woo Hoo! Great on the check-up! I think that you'll be a perfect fit for the Newbies to hear from about WLS. So glad that you agreed to share your time and experiences for the good of other patients. (((HUG))) Gain Some Weight???? That must have made your day. Seriously, do they really want more meat on the bones? You've worked so hard that this just seems such a weird request. How much? Are you going to do it? (Here's my recent concern... What about PS?... Certainly with all of the weight that you've lost, the extra skin must be an issue. You'll look great in a bathing suit... you know...) So happy that your labs were right on target. I'm still popping a load of supplements to keep it all together. My labs are in January... I'll update you then. Can't wait to see the new Pics! Love your thinking... on to year two... it is a life time process... glad that we are doing it together! Ro

When I explained to my NUT that I was about a pound away from a NORMAL BMI and still losing about a pound every week, she said that my body would most likely decide when I was at a good weight. When my Dr. found out that I had lost around 210 lbs and that I was currently at 170, he seemed to be a little concerned and said that I needed to "gain some weight". I told him that I intended to try to level out and work my way into a maintenance diet and he seemed to be pretty satisfied with that. My NUT also pointed out that I may start having "cravings" that might even things up a little. So, they made me a 15 month check up appt. and said that if I continued to lose weight, I'd need to move the appt up and see him sooner than 15 months. He also asked me to be sure that I weighed myself weekly if not more often. Regardless, I'm pretty happy with the results. And thanks for being "on my side", Ro. There are few like you.

Makes a lot of sense to start maintenance slowly and work with your body's natural set-point. The Doc was probably floored with the 210 lb loss, as so many people don't hit that range. I like their plan for the 15 month follow-up too. My Nut and Dr. seem to feel the same way about loss. One concern that I have about the second year plus is that one of the RDs on the Nutrition board mentioned months ago that our body tries to adjust its absorption amount. I believe that the concept was that the intestine increases from 1" diameter to 3", which can absorb more calories, but not more vitamins / minerals. Later the colon, which usually absorbs water; hence solid waste, adapts to absorb more calories only also. If this is so, the monitoring of weight and food intake should be a concern, as the body always seems to find a way to nouri****self. Cravings aside! Did the Nut mention protein intake? Mine still likes the 50-70g range; more just taxes the liver. Nov/Dec OH Magazine info about "Too Much of a Good Thing" from page 54 reads: "Protein is essential, but it is possible to get too much protein in your diet! Your portein needs may be calculated by your dietitian, and they are typically -- in the range of 60-80 grams per day after WLS. Exceeding this amount on a daily basis can put a strain on your liver and kidneys. Eating too many animanl products may also increase the fat and cholesterol in your diet. Balance is key when focusing on protein needs after WLS. It is important to get your goal needs, but there is no benefit in being a protein overachiever!" All that said... I think that it is truly amazing that you are still able to loss about 1 lb per week this far out... just unreal... You must be doing something right!!! So happy for you... glad that you can feel the glow of great result and a job well done! Tahsnk fro bgnie tereh fro me {{{{Bnchu of Silmes}}}} Ro

Congratulations on a great one year check up. Isn't funny when people now tell you that you need to gain some weight? That is something I thought I will never hear from my mother but the other day she told me that I was too skinny and that I need to gaing some weight. My jaw dropped to the floor and I told her that was not where near what I weighed when I was a teenager and she backed up(at least for now). Life is good!!!!! Beatriz

congratulations! Perfect Labs! That's what it's all about. Keep up the great work. Kathi

Wow what an amazing accomplishment you must be so proud!! Keep up the great work mini me

Congrats! Good luck on year number 2!

Steve, congratulations on the excellent checkup! How weird to be told to gain some weight, bet that feels so strange. You'll probably help a lot of people at those seminars and will undoubtedly inspire them to be successful themselves. Make year two as wonderful as the first! Molly