I have tried every type of iron out there. I can tolerate almost any of them. The problem is that I'm not absorbing the iron. I go back to the hematologist next month to check labs, then I'll probably go back again in 6 months for the same. Unless the patch works, I will probably have to get IV iron once a year, which I am fine with. In the meantime, I feel better than I have in years, I can walk from my bed to the bathroom without getting short of breath. I have color in my face, I have energy, and my weight loss has restarted. Lost 7lbs since I've been out of the hospital. My taste buds have even changed, I don't crave the ice anymore and those food items I was eating tons and tons of that weren't good for me, I'm not wanting anymore (Cheese and Cracker Combos were the worst!) I'm drinking more water, drinking my protein drinks and I'm BACK!!

Hello Finsternis,

Welcome to OH Let me introduce you to our site. From our "about OH" page. I had weight loss surgery in 2004 and it saved my life, my husband didn't and he died from obese related health issues. Any questions?

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>> I can even PIG OUT if I feel like it.

Perhaps that's part of why you're still obese?

I have been eating this way since July 2017 after experiencing a regain of about 75ish pounds. I have removed about 50 of those pounds since then but am now at the point where I was after my 2008 surgery where the weight loss slowed down but did not stop. I expect to be back where I need to be by this summer.

I have maintained a normal BMI for over 7 years. Something that I could not do in the previous 50 plus years, even after having WLS. I guarantee you that your BMI will not be normal in 2 years, much less 7. Aside from the fact that the odds are against you, your attitude guarantees it.

WLS is not a magic cure all or anything to be taken lightly. However the fact remains that of all the weight loss options out there bariatric surgery has produced the highest success rates out there. There is not one other method of losing weight (and keeping it off) that even comes close.

WLS is not perfect but it is the best treatment we have at this point in time. If I thought for even a second that I had any other options for keeping the weight off believe me I would have done it. I tried every diet or method out there and nothing worked long term. Yes the answer is to eat in a healthy way. But unfortunately I did not have that ability long term no matter how much I tried. I needed the big guns in order to be able to stop eating destructively.

I don't know how old you are or how long you have been dealing with obesity (other than at least 4 years) but I can bet that like me nothing you have done has produced any long term results that are even remotely satisfactory. I don't want to burst your bubble but your fasting attempts are as doomed as all your other attempts. But if that is what you want to hang your hopes onto than good luck. At least it's free. And not permanent so you can always choose to go back to your previous ways of eating. And you will.