4 Month Post Op Visit

Saw Dr. yesterday for my 4 month Post Op visit. He was very pleased with my weight loss and with everything else. I have lost 66lbs in 4 months and only have about 42lbs to go! I had a list of questions for him and these were his responses, mind you don't quote me, I am doing this from memory. If I get something wrong, I am not perfect! Knot on left side upper tummy by incision when laughing hard? Normal Knot near incision on right side when throwing up? Normal Hair loss? Happens to almost everyone (high percentage) lasts about six months and there is nothing you can take to help. He says it will grow back! He has heard people say Biotin helps, but he has no proof. Protein drinks. They don't agree with me and I can't find one I like? He said if I can get in 60 - 70 grams of protein in food alone (and I said and still lose weight), then that is fine. They make a lot of people full, bloated and gassy, so why do that to yourself. Tired/ B12 am I getting enough? Time to get blood work done! Flu shot, can I take it? Yes Alcohol? 1 drink affects you, like 3 drinks affects anyone else, but it is trial and error, don't drink mixed drinks or I will be in the bathroom getting sick from the sugar and drink with people I know who can watch out for me. Vitamins, do I stay on the Flintstones? If they agree with you and you're not repulsed by it, then by all means stick with them. If not try Centrum chewables. How much weight do YOU think I will be losing? He guest-mated, that I will get down to 170 or around there, so I told him I wanted to be about 160 and he agreed that would be good for my body! Flax seed oil? Not aware of any specific affects it has on bariatric patients. It is a good overall nutrient, but not anything special for WLS patients. Leftovers, can I eat them? When I told him I had read something on the message board about how reheating the food breaks down the chemicals blah blah blah, his response was shocking. He said it was ridiculous, he said use common sense, if it has been in the fridge for more then a couple of days forget, if not, go for it. Not everyone can tolerate leftovers, but I happen to be someone who can. I can eat anything leftover except beef, ground beef no problem, any other, forget. Ilyssa

Ilyssa, Thanks for the update. I saw my surgeon last Thursday for a 5 month check-up (it was supposed to be last month but she had to cancel it). I asked alot of the same questions as you did and got virtually the same answers as you did. Congratulations on your fantastic weight loss. Have a great day. Cindee 310/236/?

Cindee, I am glad to hear some of these surgeons are on the same page as I read a lot of conflicting messages. Congrats on your loss as well, you are doing great! Thanks, Ilyssa

Ilyssa, Congrats on your weight loss hun ~hugs~ That is awesome.... and I am glad all went well with your Dr appt. Thanks for sharing those answers, it is nice to hear about some of them and you are right that so many Dr's are not on the same page with some of this stuff. I guess we just have to trust our surgeons. Take care ~Hugs~ Debra P 285/202.5/125??

good luck w/that! j/k Tavia

Thanks, same to you! Ilyssa

Thanks Debra, I am feeling great and loving life, thanks for your support. I am happy as a clam to share my Dr.'s feedback. I hear so many conflicting answers about these things and your right, we just have to stick w/ what the Dr. says. Thanks! Ilyssa

Hi Ilyssa, Dr. Gellman is your surgeon right? And you were in his office this past monday? I was as well. I got there around 1030am and didnt leave until about 1215. small world. It's funny b/c I do spend a lot of time in and out his office I have been regonized twice by people in the waiting room who said they regonized me from my picture on OH. They told me they dont post but read the board all the time. It's funny to have 'strangers' know so much about you, (kind of wierd) but I'm happy to tell my story. I am sorry but your names skip my mind but you should post! Take care! Tavia

Hey Tavia, Yes, I was in Dr. Gellman's office about 4pm, thankfully I was in and out within 45 minutes. Last time I was there for my 2 month post-op I was there from 9am to 12:30pm. It was crazy, but I understand, sometimes a surgeons office is like that. That is so bizare, your like a mini celebrity! I try to post, but sometimes life gets way to busy, I do keep my profile very up to date though! Thanks for the support and good luck with journey, I know you have had some problems. Ilyssa