My 2 Week Questions

Well, I made it to two weeks today...I think I may live! The pain is finally going away. I am a baby...did I mention that before? Anyway, my questions are: 1. Can you eat too many sugar-free popsicles? 2. I have lost 17 pounds (YAY!), but then it kind of...stopped. Is it because I am eating too many sugar-free popsicles? 3. Because I am lactose intolerant I had a MAJOR problem with those old Carnation drinks, etc. I finally started eating "real" food, and now I'm kind of eating just soft versions of stuff (like the grilled chicken sandwich from KFC, and shrimp). Is this BAAAAAD? Am I going to RNY hell? Is Dr. Mann going to yell at me? Is this why I'm not losing any more weight? 4. Every time I eat anything (even an Ensure drink), I feel the need to pass out and sleep for six hours. I don't think it's dumping, since I'm VERY careful about the sugar intake, but it's every single time. I almost fell asleep at Applebee's....sad. Any ideas? I know it's a lot of questions, but I'm just wondering. I can't hardly weight (!) for the support group meeting! Thanks, Cynthia

Before your questions get answered, I have a couple of my own for you! JUST WHERE WERE YOU MONDAY NIGHT? WHY WEREN'T YOU IN HATTIESBURG? I LOOKED FOR YOU!!! I WAS DISAPPOINTED!!! Now, that I have hollered at you and got that out of the way....... 1. Yes, you can eat too many anythings, but I really have a hard time seeing how you could eat too many sugar-free popsicles.....How many are we talking about and what is the calorie count? The sodium count isn't very high is it? Could you be retaining all the liquid from them? 2. Prolly not. Are you tracking your protein? Are you getting plenty of it? How about fluids? Nothing beats good ole water. 3. Yep, you are going to RNY Hell. (Sorry couldn't help it!!!) SODIUM CONTENT MAY BE A PROBLEM FOR YOU! I would make my own versions - sans the bread- of the chicken sandwiches and I still can't eat shrimp. Can you do soy milk? I betcha there are hi-protien, low-carb , low-sugar drinks out there that you can tolerate....see Susan Maria's sight, www. baractriceating.com. It is best to stick as close to the eating plan as you can. It's hard, but you can do it! There are some good cup-a-soups out there that help and Em eats soy cheese and really likes it (I put cheese in my tomato cup-a-soup). 4. TWO WEEKS OUT AND AT APPLEBYS????? Slow down, girlie!!! I was very, very tired most of the time for about the first month. I took lots of naps! Your body is still recovering from the surgery and is using energy to heal and you have to rest often. And you are probably working it a bit harder than most since you are eating real (tho mushy) food. It is hard work digesting food especially after this surgery ordeal. Okay, all that said, if you are feeling good almost all the time (the being tired is normal) and are watching the carbs and getting lots (I know, lots is relative!) of fluid and protein in, you are okay. Two weeks and 17 lbs is very, very good. Now are you weighing everyday? Not a good thing. NO MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK OR EVEN ONCE A MONTH!!! I try to weigh on my anniversay date each month. Don't let the scales be your judge. Let how you feel be the judge. Dr. Mann won't kill you too bad, but he may fuss some - he feels like he has as much of an investment in this as you do! He is one of the kindest, most compassionate men I have ever met. When Rhonda was so sick after her surgery, he would come in and just sit in her room with her...and he felt so bad that she was so sick. Hope I didn't beat you up too much!!! I love you anyways! Smoochies Arlies

Hey girl.. I get very sleepy after I eat. I have to make sure I do not take 1 bite too much or its over. Once that sleep hits you its almost like you have to sleep or you cant function. Trust me, I used to sleep in my car, at my desk, wherever I could lay my head. I dont know why it is. Someone said cause our bodies are working harder to digest our food. You will know when you are dumping.. you literally feel like you are dying. It is miserable. Shakes, sweat, fast heart beat... miserable. I couldnt do the carnation instant breakfast either. It was awful. You will just have to find something you like. I prefer the coffee shakes. I didnt like the slim fast or advantage shakes... Also there are Designer Whey Protein shakes that are REAL good. I find both of mine at Walmart. I dont like the chalky thick drinks! My doctor told us if we can handle it - we can eat it. Just be careful. I will prewarn you now about rice.. DONT DO IT! I cant eat rice now. I havent tried it in awhile but I seem to have a real hard time with it swelling in my pouch and doubling over in pain for hours. To the point where I am trying to make myself throw up just to get it out of there. If I am not mistaken those sugar free popsicles are like 10 calories, huh? I dont know but I dont see how this can hurt. Its kinda like crystal lite --Its just liquid. I ate alot of those when I first came home from hosp. If its just a matter of having something in your mouth to keep your mind off of food try those icebreakers from Walmart. We like the Sour Icebreakers and I also like the Wintergreen. They are sugar free and zero cals, zero carbs, zero everything... and they are good. Grits and mashed potatoes were a life saver for me too.. refried beans (lots of protein there)... I didnt do good with meats in the beginning. I dont think I had chicken for awhile. They were too heavy in my stomach and that may be a reason for the sleepiness. Come to think about it - its usually when I have meat that I get real sleepy now... hmmm... points to ponder! I will have to watch this and see if this is the case! Now is when I wish I had kept a food journal in the beginning! Darn it! Your doing well... Christine Open Rny - Oct 2004 30 Years old, 5'7 275/266/162/154 104 GONE! 8 Til Goal Beginning BMI 44 Current BMI 25.4