I have always had a problem with iron - with several different types. Some days I couldn't leave home because of the "runs". I was never constipated. It's not the usual response to iron but it does happen. You will know very quickly if you have this problem.

I guess I must be the minority because every time I re-start iron suppliments, my stool gets softer and I go more.  I just had my gall bladder out and had to stop taking the iron for a bit but I just restarted last night.  I took 2 iron pills called HEMAGENICS which is made by METAGENICS.  I ordered it at a nearby pharmacy.  I'm not a vegetarian but it is a vegetarian suppliment with other B vitamins in it.  It is made so absorb better into your body.  It's healthier than getting a regular prescription.  Even when I used to take the plain iron from the pharmacy, I had more bowel movements then too.  If I'm not on iron,  I get constipated.

It's a reflective day for me, as I think back four years. About this time of day on July 15, 2009, I was headed into surgery with Dr. Pupkova at Barix. I wasn't afraid. I trusted her implicitly and was honestly more afraid about what would happen if I did NOT have surgery.

Where am I today? From my lowest weight of 155 lbs. I have bounced up 15, to 170. Some of the habits that I adopted while losing have eroded, and I need to put myself back on the straight and narrow. I am back to drinking diet soda and, some days, skimp on water. Not as meticulous as I need to be about not drinking 30 minutes after a meal. I don't log my food (truth is, I was never very good about that). 

As far as food goes, I indulge in food with sugar from time to time. But I am aware and afraid of the negative effects that those indulgences cause. For example, last week we had house guests and I had a small bowl of regular ice cream. It put me as close to dumping as I've been in 3 years. And sugar free ice cream isn't much better....the sugar alcohols set me off something fierce. I eat bread products occasionally, but can leave them alone too. Pasta doesn't agree with me so I use spaghetti squash with my homemade sauce. No rice. A bowl of cereal is a recipe for disaster - I feel terrible after eating it, even if it "sounds so good."

Even some healthy foods don't sit well, so I know to limit my intake of apples, and to choose Greek yogurt over Dannon Light and Fit. 

Most days, I still have a protein shake for breakfast and another for a snack (I use the RTD Atkins shakes these days).  Mike does a lot of our cooking, and we eat a lot of fish and fresh veggies.  I snack on greek yogurt or almonds, and got hooked on navel oranges last winter. I have a low tolerance for overly salty foods. But - that said - every so often I love a slice of pizza or a hot dog (yes, with a bun). Go figure. 

I had let exercise lapse over the past year or so with our move, but am back to aerobics classes at least 3 times a week. I enjoy it - just hard to pry myself out the door some days. Those old vegetative habits are indeed still there, waiting for me to pick them up again. I have to be aware of that. They are lurking....

The vitamin regimen is just part of everyday life. I watch for BOGO specials and stock up, and have a little ritual of setting up my vitamins every week. 

I know many post ops look at plastics as a next step. I have been lucky in that my legs, arms, and butt look okay (for a woman of 57. Which may not be saying much!) But the part that was very hard for me was my neckline, which really looked wrinkled and saggy after weight loss. Last October, I had a face lift done. My mom helped cover the cost, which was the only way I could have managed to do it, and it was a great decision. While I could probably use a tummy tuck, I didn't want to get into a full surgical recovery period, and didnt want to spend the $$, so for right now I will keep my one piece swimsuits handy. 

I feel terrific. Losing weight was the BEST decision I have made in my life. I am more confident and self assured than at any point in my entire life. I know without a doubt that obesity would have hindered my job search down here, as well as advancement (and hey, I just got a promotion at Apple!)  It pains me to realize and recognize that obese people in our society are subject to such painful discrimination....I was subject to that, as were many of you. 

My maintenance plan is sketchy, but mostly guided by my clothing. I know, I know....all sizes are not created equal. But I have a threshold size that I will NOT go over, so if things get snug, I just crank up the water and veggies. Kicking the exercise back in has helped too. The other tool I use is my old drivers license. It's in my purse all the time. 

Best part? In FL, nobody really knows I had surgery. I've told a few people that I've lost a lot of weight. They act like they can't believe it, which is unbelievable to me. Don't I look "formerly fat"? Can't they tell? 

Anyway....4 years and counting. I miss my PA OH friends and wish YOU all the best!

HI Trish,

      Glad to see that you are back in PA visiting.  I can understand how you love being so close to the grandkids.  It's great that you continue to see Dr. Marymor annually.  Since Dr. Boe left Barix I haven't been to see anyone.  I know that I need to change that situation.  Now that I have health insurance again it should be a lot easier for me.  Hope that you enjoy your stay here with us.  Keep cool.  Did you bring Utley with you?  How about the Phillies?  Maybe they will make it enjoyable to watch them again.  I have been having a hard time recently watching games but the past 2 weeks it has been fun again.  Take care of yourself - it's always good to see you on the PA board.

Donna

Aw, Donna, sorry I am going to miss this one.  I will be away.