Kenneth, Congratulations on not needing insulin anymore. I am down to 22 units/day from over 100 units/day. I still take 500mg. of Glucophage twice a day. Since my surgery date of 9/06/06, I have lost 24 lbs. So, Patti, if you read this, you aren't the slowest loser. I'm not worried, though. I lost 10 lbs. since I started the surgeon's weight loss program in Feb. and I lost 10 lbs. on the fast 1 week prior to surgery. We were only allowed Carnation Instant Breakfast and clear liquids 1 week prior to our surgery date. Good luck and keep it up, you're doing great! G. Beiler

Dear Patti, The shoulder/back pain is probably gas. Walking really will help, but I remember how I felt at 12 days, and walking was not on my short list of favorite things to do! I had problems with water intake also. My saving grace was a feeding tube that was put in during surgery,(kind of an insurance policy), to use when I couldn't meet my goals of protien and water. In fact, I just had it out yesterday. NOT the most pleasant experience, but lasted only 20 secs! Things will get better, just keep taking your pain meds and rest as much as possible. The 10 lbs since surgery is normal because of all the fliud pumped in you in the hosp. It will pick up! Good luck and stay off the scale!

Well, it's one month today that I had my RNY surgery (9/11/06). I've lost a total of 30 lbs. and 19 inches. I'm very pleased. A WOW moment: yesterday I realized that when I drive, the steering wheel no longer rubs my belly, in fact, I've got at least 2 inches of space between the steering wheel and my belly. What I'm not pleased about is the fact that everyday or every other day, I throw up my food. I just cannot eat meats it seems like. I don't know if I'm eating too fast, not chewing enough, not taking a small enough bite or if I'm getting a stricture. But I sure am tired of having a lump in the middle of my chest everyday! I can get my vitamins & meds down and my protein shakes and various liquids. I think maybe I'll go back to soft foods for a few days and then try meat again. Hugs, Donna

Hi Jamie, I am only 12 days post op but I couldn't stand it anymore and made some refried beans. I bought the Taco Bell Vegetarian blend. I mashed them up really well, and so far I've eaten approximately 1/4 cup. There is 7 grams of protein in 1 serving (1/2 cup), but I am still drinking protein shakes for more protein in my diet. The protein will give you some energy as well as the carbs. I am shocked at how much everyone is losing in the first few weeks. I have only lost 10 lbs since the surgery, and I am maybe only getting in 800 calories a day with all this liquid stuff. I am having trouble getting in enough water. I like the pears in the baby food, yeah the bananas were gross so I pureed a real banana. The thought of pureed meats sounds gross but maybe if I am hungry enough I will try it!! Hope you are doing better! Patti

Sheneika, You are not alone... I'm three weeks out and have the same problem which is being compounded by visitors from overseas. To be honest, I try not to eat at the dinner table with our visitors and family, why torture myself! A bigger problem is having foods available that drive me crazy i.e. cakes, cookies, chips etc. you know all the good things that are bad for you... I've discussed it with my wife & son but to no avail, I know they are caught between a rock and a hard place regarding our visitors and basicly I have to deal with the problem as best as I can. Mentally it's tough but I try to stay focused on why I had the surgery and loosing weight (now 38lbs) I know from my previous attemps at loosing weight that the first five to six weeks are the toughest to avoid temptation. Get past that point and keep your focus & you'll be fine. Let's keep in mind no one ever said that post surgery would be easy... Good luck