Introduction

Hi everyone!  I joined this group a little while ago but I haven't posted much. 

Brief history... I got my Lap-band May 2005.  It was bliss until problems came up and we tried to surgically repair it.  That didn't work.  So we did a revision from band to bypass July 2008.  Then I had months of misery with the revision.  After 4 months of in and out of the hospital, we found a way to manage my complications at home.  I can't exercise much right now.  I am getting nerve blocks to hopefully address the painful disease that I have.  Also after my revision, I developed adrenal insufficiency and am trying to find the right dosage of medication (hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone due to a BP that plumits). 

I struggle though... I am 7 months out but I feel like a newbie.  I have trouble drinking plain water, but I just discovered that bottled water seems to make me sicker (sits like lead in my pouch).  Tap water seems to sit better (but it can't be too cold).  I usually add Crystal Light or South Beach Diet packets to my water.  I get in plenty of water with that method.

Supplements make me very ill, especially calcium.  I am having a horrible time finding supplements to take.  I can't take mega doses of B vitamins and I can't take too much of Vitamin C.  I do have some deficiencies but they are starting to reverse now that I am able to eat properly (maybe even too much).  I hit a 2 month plateau and finally, the last 2 weeks the scale has been going down (2 pounds one week, 3 pounds the other week). 

I need to get back on track.  I need to get the supplements down.  I need to find an exercise routine to do after my nerve block series (so in a month I'd like to start a routine).  I need to sleep better (go to bed earlier, wake up at a reasonable time).  Most days my protein is good, but there are other days that need help.

Well, I guess that is about me.  I just wanted to introduce myself and confess that I am struggling.  I have tested sugar and find that I dont' dump.  (I shouldn't have discovered that).  Now, I do feel sick every morning, but if I have a snack in the middle of the night (I struggle with insomnia sometimes)... a snack in the middle of the night seems to help with the morning sickness (not that morning sickness!).

Thanks for reading!  I hope to get back on track!  I did not have this surgery to only give up on the obesity battle.

Thanks for posting and reaching out to your BOTT friends.

You have had quite a roller coaster with your surgeries and complications along with the painful disease and accompanying medications.  Give yourself lots of credit for losing consistently while you've dealt with extraordinary cir****tances. 

Plateaus are common and actually are a positive although frustrating thing.  Our bodies need to adjust as we've lost weight.  You possibly stalled on the scale but things are happen within our bodies during this time.  You're back on the losing trend now which is an excellent weiht loss.

Just because you don't dump on sugar doesn't mean that you don't experience the same consequences inside your body, metabolism and weight loss as those of us that do dump.  Just consider that you do dump or are allergic to sugar and give it up.  I've found the longer I'm off sugar the more I don't crave it.  It is a cycle of eating sugar, wanting more....eating sugar and wanting even more.  Break the cycle and just don't go there.

I've also fought insomnia for years.  Insomnia is so frustrating and has a horrible impact on your waking hours too.  I finally went to a doctor and was put on a very low dose of meds to help me sleep.  You might also try Melatonin to help you sleep.  Eating in the middle of the night is a bad, bad habit to get into.  I used to do that too just to sleep.  I was desperate.  However in the long run that is one of the worst habits.  When you do that, then you purposely wake up for your snack.  Talk to your doctor about what he or she suggests for the insomnia. 

Another consideration for sleep is make sure you take in adequate protein and that you are getting sufficient amino acids as well.  A good way to do that is to take a protein supplement such a protein drink as they have excellent sources of protein and amino acids for lower calories.  Approximately 60% of weight loss surgery patients suffer a disruption in their sleep patterns.  A big cause is protein and amino acids deficiencies.

Welcome to BOTT.  Thanks for sharing with us in your post.

Cathy

My heart goes out to you.....I am so glad you felt comfortable to post here.  No one should ever feel all alone.

Your struggles have been many but your spirit comes through loud and clear through your words.  You are not going to let this beat you and you are not going to give up!!

We are here for you all the way!!!

Take care my friend 

Kathy

Welcome Alyssa =)  I think we can all relate to parts of your story.  So many set backs and attempts to get back on track!  We are here for you.  Glad to hear your story and welcome aboard... Robin