Question:
Its been 2 and 1/2 years since surgery. I have done great, but recently....

I have been having trouble moving my bowels regularly. I am also having some fluid retention in my lower legs. I have chenged anything in my diet. I eat 4 oz of all natural granola in the morning, 1 cup of fresh fruit with 4 oz of low carb yogurt mid morning, 3 slices of shaved turkey with 6 crackers and 2 oz of cheese in the afternoon, and a salad with 3 oz of meat in the evening. About 3 days a week I have a protein shake. I still get 64 to 70 oz water each day, take my vitamins. Over the past month I started riding a bike around the neighborhood a couple nights a week and I am very active and work in my flower beds ..etc... I lost from 257 to 129, but have gained to 135 over the past 2 weeks. I don't understand what is going wrong! I don't want to just have the "normal" 5 pound weight gain. It is not normal. I am still following all the rules. What should I do different?    — Stephanie G. (posted on April 27, 2006)

April 26, 2006
If this isnt normal for you and your having troubles with your bowels and fluid retention; I suggest you consult your doctor.
   — star .

April 26, 2006
call you doctor TODAY! Although your increased activity level riding bike etc you MAY need more water. A sign of dehydration is oddly enough fluid retention so up the water and call your PCP today! dehydration can and does cause constipation..
   — bob-haller

April 26, 2006
The key to all of this is nutrition... Water, get it in, the constipation and swelling could be a cause of many different avenues. Call your doctor. I have had all of the things you have had and the end result was my nutrition level. I spent many dollars trying to figure out my problem. Thanks to a great nutritionist, she led me to a better me today. from 327 to 125...I now have control over my obese mind. I gained back to 198 and started hiding from the world. I felt like a failure again...Now ... an UN real life for me! It is way cool what I have accomplished in all due respect to learning to give my body balance...most importantly, giving me a belief that I could be exceptional. Now a proud figure competitor, I help others just like the old me gain control for a life long journey. Many hugs, go find your nitch, if you would like to chat live just email...I love to share! Celeste = Dream Builder
   — shakeyourweight

April 26, 2006
I agree that you should run your diet by your nutritionist. Also, I don't know what you're defining as "regularly" but my nutritionist has told me that once a week is perfectly normal postop.
   — nicolerod

April 27, 2006
For me and this is just me here, when I consume too much dairy products I have a tendency to get a little constipated. But I agree with the others contact your doctor or make an appointment to get his or her expert opinion.
   — ChristineB

April 27, 2006
I am 2.5 years post op, and it sounds like you are doing real well, but not alot of fiber. I eat sunflower seeds (unshelled) or a cup of popcorn, have you tried putting flaxseed over your food? I love the dried plums and fresh blueberries. Drinking alot of water is always good, but add more fiber to your diet. BTW, I have gained 5 to 10 lbs in the last 2.5 years, but my surgeon told me that you could drop to your lowest weight and then settle in at your normal. Don't know your age, but during that time of the month you can gain up to 10 lbs from water retention, and if you are in the high 40's to 50's like me, menapause can make you gain up to 10 lbs. Also, if you are losing fat and gaining muscle, muscle gain can cause you to gain weight, muscle is good.
   — cindy

April 27, 2006
I drink 1/2 cup of decaf coffee. Works every morning.
   — Danita S.

April 28, 2006
When did you last have labs drawn? It sounds like you're getting a day's worth of protein every week. One of the first signs of low protein is edema and wt gain. I've seen ppl gain as much as 25# in a weekend! Scary! The other would be cravings for sugar beyond a casual interest. Please get your labs checked ASAP, total protein, albumin and pre-albumin.
   — vitalady