Question:
How am I doing? I'm two months post op as of yesterday.

I got on a scale at Wal Mart this morning and according to it (the one you put a quarter in) I have lost a total of exactly 40 pounds in two months. I am very pleased. Do you think I'm on track? Also, I taking a multi-vitamin, generic Centrum Performance and two Caltrate per day not all at the same time. I'm drinking my water, which is difficult and am TRYING to get that protein in. A friend total told me I was dehydrated. She squeezed the skin on the top of my hand and it stayed up and didn't fall right back down. She said that's a sure sign of dehydration. Ever hear of that?    — Annie H. (posted on January 3, 2002)

January 3, 2002
HI there you are doing great! congrats. And yes having skin stay up when pinched on back of hand is a sign of dehydration, feeling dizzy?? weak or just plain icky is much worse stage so be sure to push the water. your doing awsome keep up with it all good luck
   — BBD

January 3, 2002
Thank you....you learn a new thing everyday. I never knew that about the skin on the back of your hand and dehydration. I took the test and I'm fine. I'm 9 weeks post-op and down 50#. Keep up the good work. Just try and get in at least 64 oz. of water daily. I'm having trouble with getting the protein in. The water seems to fill me up.
   — Dianne K.

January 3, 2002
I think you're weight loss is great! And it sounds like you are dehydrated. Drink, drink, drink that water! I did want to comment on your calcium choice. A lot of surgeons still recommend that you take some form of calcium carbonate (Tums, Caltrate, etc.), but you can no longer absorb that type of calcium after surgery. Please, please, please look into taking calcium citrate instead. You are at risk of osteoporosis if you don't!
   — Denise C.

January 3, 2002
Your Caltrate brand is actually carbonate form of calcium. Also, you need 1500-2000mg per day. Read your label VERY carefully as I believe it is TWO caps = 600mg. So, when you select your citrate, for example, Citracal is 630mg per PILL, so you'd need 6 to 8 per day to reach a reasonable level. Water will also affect your bones & all organs (over time), so water becomes pretty critical, not just " nice thing to do". Yes, the pinch test is a good rule of thumb indicator. You know if you are getting your 64 oz of decaf, non-carbonated water per day, too.
   — vitalady

January 3, 2002
OOOPS! Sorry, Citracal is 630mg per PAIR. Sorry.
   — vitalady

January 3, 2002
Hi. I'm the original poster. Actually, I am taking Spring Valley Calcium Citrate Plus Vitamin D -- two per day. But I just read the label carefully and you all are right, I should be taking four of them daily. Thanks all.
   — Annie H.