July 18, 2004
Lack of energy
Amanda you look great. I am 3 1/2 months out and I am finally feeling pretty good. I still have a hard time eating. I try to eat stuff I know will settle pretty good. I don't eat much during the day because I just don't feel hungry. My question to you is now that you are 3 years out how do you feel? How is your energy? Sorry to ask this question but did you have Plastic Surgery or were you able to tighten it up yourself? I think my legs and arms are going to be my biggest problem. I started out at 356.5 and I am now at 274.5. I have a hard time to keep my energy up. I can't drink Gatorade because it make me sick after about 3 sips so I don't bother. I do try to get in as much salt on my fruits and veggies as possible. Right after I had the surgery on April Fools Day I was like "What did I do to myself?" and for about the 1st month I craved food very badly. I am over that now and accept what I can and can not eat. Well, sorry for talking your hear off. I would like to hear back from you. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.
It's been long enough, that I don't remember specific problems that were faced in the beginning. As people ask questions things come to mind. For example puking was a problem because I failed to chew my food enough or ate too much. Saltines, tuna, and yogurt comprised my diet for the first few months. Quick was the lesson that pasta, rice, and bread couldn't be handled. Protein was what I craved. Steak became a regular part of my diet. It took a long time to learn to recognize hunger and to learn to listen to my body. Diligence was necessary to remember to eat during the day. It's still a problem even today. Listen to your body. Eat when your hungry. Stop when you feel satiated.
At 3 years I feel pretty good. Low blood pressure has been a problem. It's improved over time. On Monday it was 120/60. In the past it was so low that often times I passed out, especially after hot showers or standing up too fast. It became to be a real concern when it started happening more frequently. My PCP warned that eventually medication might be necessary.
Low and/or lack of energy was a problem in the beginning. The first suggestion is usually to up your salt intake. Also take a look at what you're eating. Sometimes I still feel tired. The reason that I can't eat rice and pasta is that it puts me to sleep. Adding protein shakes, if you aren't already may help. Try using non-fat milk, or Silk instead of water to improve the taste and texture. I'm sure that you're taking your vitamins. At one time, I was taking sublingual vitamin B. I'd also go into my Dr.'s office for a vitamin B shot. Perhaps your Dr. would be willing to do the same for you.
I haven't had plastic surgery yet. My arms and legs are quite flabby. I haven't had the money, time, or resources to invest into it. I have an appointment next Monday with a plastic surgeon in Florida. It is my hope that I'll be able to get insurance to cover my stomach and breasts. Honestly, I need an entire body lift :)
Posted by Manda on July 18, 2004 07:25 AM
Hi, My name is Suzy Styron. My surgery will be 2 years in a couple of weeks. I was 250 and now 135. I have only one fear.....gaining it back. I have seen alot of people start to put weight back on. I dont hear alot of people talking about that. It is most definite, that you will be able to eat more food. I can eat twice as much as I used to. That scares me to death. Although I have some limitations there are'nt many. I have never thrown up, but I do get sick. Please if there is anybody else out there that feels like this, please write. I would love to hear any suggestions that would be of some encouragement. The one thing that seems to keep me under control, is that I weigh all the time. If I see the scale go one step over 135, I begin to watch what goes in my mouth. My problem is that I tend to like carbs. I dont like meat very much. Never have. I would really like to change that!!!!
Posted by: suzy33 at December 5, 2004 06:36 AM