Depressed-to much weight loss now i have withdrawn cheeks,face,-look anorexic

Dear Freinds I have posted a few times about my concern about losing to much weight.14 months post op i lost 120lbs which is way to much.i am trying to gain weight back(10 lbs or so).im a small frame guy 5ft7 now weighing 140lbs. anyway working with a nutrionist to gain some weight back.gained about 2.6 lbs back but very hard to follow her diet,anyway long story short i have been depressed about people saying i look to skinny,that my face and cheeks are withdrawn , that i look gaunt,sickly,anorexic and on and on .This is making me so upset i am almost wishing i never had WLS . I am avoiding family gatherings,and people now. Has anyone had similiar experience.how did you handle it.My concern now is my face,especially the cheek area which is now hAllow,sunk in,sagging.A lady down the street from me suggested i go to a plastic surgeon or dermatoligist and get injectable fillers on my face. Has anyone had to do this.Will MY FACE START FILLING OUT ONCE I GAIN SOME WEIGHT BACK.Any feed fack would be appreciated thanks ALEX

Hi Alex, I am sorry you are feeling so down. Although I don't have any information on you, or what medical problems you may or may not have, I would still like to help, and want you to know you have support here. I imagine you had RNY and probably dump from sugars???? It's necessary to add one good snack to whatever your daily 'diet' consists of. A really rich, enjoyable snack. Some really nice nuts, like almonds or cashews could easily add 500 calories to your day. In 1 cup of roasted almonds, for example, there are 953 calories. An extra 500 calories a day,,,PLUS what you are now consuming, should put on 1 pound a week (give or take exercise). 3500 calories = one pound. Lord knows how easy it is for me slip in that little extra!!!! People get so used to seeing us big, that when we lose weight, they think we are sick???? Had they not known us before, we would look fine to them. Yes, your face will defiantly fill out with a few extra pounds. How is everything else going? Are you feeling well? Are you happy with your loss? Alex, this is your life,,,,,and what others say is just that. If you feel good, and are happy, why would you get cheek implants so that your neighbor can see your high cheekbones when she is out in her nighty grabbing her morning paper. Let us know how you are doing. Happy Easter!!!

Chantrel HI your so funny i needed a good laugh today,the part about my neighbor grabbing her paper in her nighty lol. anyway i wasnt planing on getting implants just some fat fillers that plump that guant hallow look away. anyway as fas as everything my labs are normal protein b12 vitamins i do everything correctly,but just lost more then i wanted,so basically i need to starte adding more calories ,like u said nuts and things but its hard for me when im not used to eating that much but i love cashews so i will eat a cup a day ..your so sweet for taking the time to reply thanks again and a very Happy Easter to you as well Alex

Hi Alex, Your BMI is 21.9, which is still in the normal weight range (normal weight = 18.5 - 24.9). Of course, BMI isn't the only health criteria. But how are *you* feeling? How are your labs? Some people are telling me that I have lost too much weight, that I don't look healthy, blah blah blah. These are the same people *****member me fat - and who were comfortable with the "fat me." As long as I feel healthy and my surgeon is happy with my weight, then I am happy. My surgeon's and my opinion are all that matter. What did the nutritionist suggest you eat? Maybe it is hard to follow because their is too much variety in the plan? Has your nutritionist evaluated any "weight gain" shakes for you? You know, the ones that body builders drink for mass? Hang in there, hon. HTH, Kristen

Kristen thanks for your reply and concern.yes my BMI IS NORMAL, LABS AND EVERYTHING ARE NORMAL,TAKING ALL MY SUPPLEMENTS B12 SHOTS ETC AND I FEEL GREAT PHYSICALLY,BUT MENTALLY AND EMTIONALLY IM NOT BECAUSE OF ALL THE NEG REMARKS PEOPLE ARE SAYING AND YES THESE WERE THE SAME PEOPLE WHO USED TO TELL ME THAT IM HUGE AND NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT AND ON AND ON. MY NUTTRIONIST SAID THAT I COULD USE TO GAIN MAYBE 10 LBS AT THE MOST,SO SHE ADDED MORE CARBS AND CALORIES.I ASKED HER ABOUT THE MASS PROTEIN SHAKES THAT BODY BUILDERS USE AND SHE SAID NO WAY SINCE THESE SHAKES CONTAIN ALOT OF SUGAR.SHE IS TRYING TO LOOK INTO SOME WEIGHT GAIN SHAKES FOR DIABETICS BUT IS FINDING IT VERY HARD TO COME UP WITH ANYTHING.THE MAIN PROBLEM IS FOR ME TO GAIN WEIGHT I HAVE TO EAT AT LEAST 3500 CALORIES A DAY, AND I JUST CANT, ITS TO MUCH FOOD,AND I WILL HAVE TO BE EATING ALL DAY TO REACH THAT GOAL,SO IM IN LIMBO RIGHT NOW NO KNOWING WHAT TO DO.I WANT THIS WEIGHT LOSS TO STOP.ENOUGH IS ENOUGH,ITS TO MUCH ALREADY.ALSO WHEN I WAS HEAVY AS WE ALL KNOW,OUR FACES ARE MORE ROUND,FULL,LESS WRINKLES,AND KNOW I HAVE DEEP HALLOW CHEEKS,SAGGING OF THE FACE AND JOWLS AND THAT HAS ME REALLY DEPRESSED AS WELL.I HAVE AN APPT WITH A PLASTIC SURGEON NEXT WEEK FOR RADIESSE SHOTS FOR MY FACE.THESE ARE INJECTABLE FILLERS AND THE PLUMP UP YOUR FACE AND TAKE AWAY WRINKLES,I KNOW SOMEONE WHO GETS THEM AND SHE LOOKS GREAT.SO I MAY HAVE TO GO THAT ROUTE TILL MY BODY STOP LOSING WEIGHT AND STABILIZES.SORRY FOR GOING ON AND ON BUT YOU GUYS ARE MY SUPPORT AND APPRECIATE YOU AND EVERYONE FOR YOUR CONCERNS.HAPPY EASTER TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND WILL KEEP POSTING THANKS HUGS ALEX

Hi Alex, Here are some more tips I found online. Please run these ideas past your nutritionist for your unique case/needs. Not all suggestions can be considered "bariatric friendly." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It costs 3500 calories to gain one pound. That means, in order to gain one pound a week, you have to consume 500 extra calories every day. Here are some tips for getting those extra calories into your daily meal plan. ? Eat higher calorie foods! -- Choose dried fruit, starchy vegetables, dense whole grain breads and cereals, hearty bean soups, nuts... ? Add healthy unsaturated fats: olive and canola oil, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, avocados. ? Add healthy carbs and protein: honey, jam, dried fruit, wheat germ, nonfat dried milk powder, soy protein powder. ? Make beverages count! -- Drink shakes, milk, juice, etc. ? Do resistance exercises! -- Weight training helps convert the extra calories into muscle. Aim for 2-3 times per week. TRY THESE QUICK-N-EASY BREAKFAST IDEAS: ? Whip together 2 cups fruit juice, 1 cup fresh, frozen or canned fruit, 1 cup yogurt, 1/4 cup dried nonfat milk powder, and 1/4 cup wheat germ or oat bran for a high energy liquid meal to go. ? Spread peanut butter, honey, or jam on bagels, muffins, hearty whole wheat bread/toast, graham crackers or stoned wheat crackers. ? Fill a plastic bag with raisins and nuts (trail mix) or your favorite dry cereal. Grab an 8 oz container of fruit yogurt and a couple cans/boxes of fruit juice. ? Nontraditional ideas: * Make a peanut butter and honey, grilled cheese, tuna, or turkey sandwich. * Pop a baked potato in the microwave for 5-10 minutes; top with chopped veggies (frozen ones are quickest) and melted cheese, canned chili, or hearty bean soup. * Wrap vegetarian refried beans, shredded low fat cheddar cheese, and tomato salsa in a couple of flour tortillas. TRY THESE QUICK-N-EASY SNACK IDEAS: ? Dry cereal: Wheat Chex, Shredded Wheat, Cheerios, Oat Squares, granola. NOTE: Add raisins or other dried fruits to boost the calories and carbs. ? Pretzels: Naturally fat free. Look for reduced salt or salt-free varieties if you are watching your salt intake. ? Crackers: Stoned wheat, sesame, bran, RyKrisp, or other low fat or fat free brands NOTE: Spread with peanut butter or add slices of cheese to boost the calories and protein. ? Bagels: The bigger the better. Look for whole wheat, pumpernickel, rye, or ones with seeds to get the most nutrients. NOTE: Spread with peanut butter, honey, jam, or low fat cream cheese to boost the calories. ? Fruits: Bananas, apples, oranges, grapes, or other fresh fruits. NOTE: Dried fruits (like raisins, apricots, and dates) are especially easy to pack and very calorie dense. ? Nuts and seeds: Peanuts, pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds and other nuts/ seeds are high in calories and good sources of protein, healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and several other vitamins and minerals. ? Sports bars, breakfast bars, and low fat granola bars: Prewrapped, very portable, and very tasty. Foods to Choose When You Need More Calories ? Breads Choose hearty, dense breads such as whole wheat, oat bran, pumpernickel, or rye (as opposed to fluffy white breads). The bigger and more thickly sliced the better! Spread generously with peanut butter, jam, honey, hummus, or low fat cream cheese. ? Cereals Choose dense cold cereals such as granola, muesli, Grape-Nuts, Cracklin Oat Bran, Shredded Wheat n Bran or Wheat Chex (instead of flaked or puffed cereals). When making oatmeal and other hot cereals, use low fat milk instead of water. Add extra nuts and dried fruits for flavor. ? Vegetables Starchy vegetables such as potatoes, peas, corn, carrots, winter squash, and beets have more calories than watery veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, green beans, and cucumbers. ? Fruits Bananas, pears, apples, pineapple, and all dried fruits (raisins, dates, dried apricots, etc.) have more calories than watery fruits such as oranges, peaches, plums, berries, and watermelon. Buy canned fruit packed in heavy syrup, instead of its own juice, for extra calories. ? Soups Select hearty black bean, lentil, split pea, chili with beans, barley, or minestrone soups. These soups have more calories and carbohydrates than brothy chicken, beef, and vegetable types. NOTE: Creamed soups and chowders are also high-calorie choices, but they are very high in saturated fat and should be eaten in moderation. ? Salads Rather than filling up on watery lettuce, pile on the garbanzo and kidney beans, green peas and corn, chopped vegetables, sunflower seeds and chopped walnuts, raisins, cottage cheese, lean meats, tuna fish, and croutons. Top with a liberal amount of vinegar and oil type dressing. NOTE: Creamy dressings are high in calories, but also high in saturated fat. ? Beverages Quench your thirst with fruit juices and nectars, low fat milk, shakes, fruit smoothies, and regular soft drinks. Avoid filling your stomach up with non caloric beverages like water, coffee, tea, and diet soft drinks. HEALTHY HIGH-FAT ADDITIONS Try... Instead of... canola or olive oil ? use to stir fry vegetables, chicken, ? butter and lean meats ? add to pasta, tomato sauce, and salads ? creamy sauces and creamy salad dressings nuts and seeds * ? add to hot or cold cereals, stir fry dishes, vegetables, casseroles, salads natural peanut butter * ? spread on bread, bagels, crackers ? butter, cream cheese trans-free tub margarine ? add to potatoes and other vegetables, ? instead of gravy, sour cream, and butter hot cereals, soups, breads, rice low fat and fat free cheeses * ? sprinkle on casseroles, soups, and salads ? regular cheeses ? melt on vegetables ? serve on sandwiches and crackers low fat and fat free cream cheeses ? spread on bagels and crackers ? regular cream cheese ? serve with fruit avocado ? add to sandwiches, salads, ? mayonnaise, sour cream and Mexican dishes HEALTHY HIGH-CARBOHYDRATE AND PROTEIN ADDITIONS ? Add Carnation Instant Breakfast, Nestle's Quick, Ovaltine, or malt powder to flavor low fat milk. ? Add dried fruit, sugar, or maple syrup to sweeten hot or cold cereals. ? Spread honey, jam, or jelly on breads, bagels, and crackers. ? Add wheat germ or oat bran to casseroles, hot cereal, or power shakes. ? Mix nonfat dry milk powder or soy protein powder into shakes, casseroles, mashed potatoes, soups, and hot cereal. * Also a good source of protein.

I can understand but I can't wait to get to that. Mark

Get to what 140 looking anorexic sickly withdrawm cheeks sagging face,

I hope you are doing better. I would just like the scale to move in the other direction. Have you tried adding carbs to your diet a little to slow the loss? I understand patients bounce back up a little over time. Mark

Thanks for your reply and concern Mark. yes my doctor suggetsed grazing eating more carbs but assured me that this is a natural process that my body will stabilze and within the next 6 months or so i will be at my goal weight of 150-153lbs so i guess it will take a little time and extra effort on my part.Thanks again and best of luck to you ALEX