3 Month Follow Up - ThinnerTimes

coptergirl · 05-30-2006, 03:36 PM

Hello all my sisters and brothers in the wls world!!!

I had my 3 month check up this morning. Everyone was so excited and said I looked so great. I have lost a total of 63.5 pounds (25 came off before surgery with Optifast). My doctor was concerned about three areas: my iron was low (he said to take one more Nifarex each day, and that would take care of it), he said my potassium level was low (but that eating 1/2 banana a day would help it), and that my protein level had dropped.

The protein I am concerned about, and here is why: normal levels are between 16 and 25, and my doctor likes to see peoteim levels hover around 22 or 23. At my 3 week mark, they were 11, 5 weeks they were 21, 6 weeks they were 23, and 8 weeks they dropped to 16. Now at my 12 week visit they had dropped again to 15!!! When they plummeted to 16, I went out and bought 2 cases of Isopure, and added one daily, so my average daily protein intale was between 90 and 110g's per day. I just don't know what do do and how to get the levels up by my 4 1/2 month visit in July. I am combining animal proteins, protein bars, protein drinks, cheeses etc. Sorry for venting, I just don't know how to get those levels up, and am concerned about overeating....argghhhh!!! I feel great, so this protein drop was a shock...

Anyways...thanks for listening

This too shall pass, and I am thankful for the weight I have lost, and that I have chucked 2 bags of clothes, and the fact that I feel so terrific now!!!

gj3390 · 05-30-2006, 04:03 PM

YOU ARE A LOSER!!!! It’s great to hear about your weight loss!!! Thanks for the info about keeping our levels of protein up….keep plugging away….You are getting closer to leaving the 200 club in the rear view mirror!!!!!

Dyann · 05-30-2006, 04:43 PM

I know for you it seems like forever, but for me it seems like you just went in for your surgery. You are doing great and One-deland is right around the corner. Regarding the protein. If you are taking in that much protein and your levels are still low, have they looked for a source of protein loss like your kidneys?? I am sure this is a normal bump in the road and whatever worked before will work again. I think drinking slowly aides in the absorption rather than chugging it. Other than that I just wanted to reaffirm that you are doing great!!!

coptergirl · 05-30-2006, 05:25 PM

Thanks George and Dyann for your awesome encouragement

Dyann - about the kidneys...why would one loose protein through the kidneys (other than the obvious being waste) - could there be a problem/issue?

Bypassingme619 · 05-30-2006, 05:29 PM

Whitney WOW Congrats on the -63 pounds gone forever, that is AWESOME. As far as your protein levels I would keep doing what you doing. I would suggest keeping a journal of your protein intake so when you go back to the doctor and your levels are low he can take a look at what exactly you are consuming everyday. Also are you getting all your water in? Don't stress to much about it.

Dyann · 05-30-2006, 05:31 PM

Deficient intake/absorption is the most likely cause. After that a protein losing enteropathy (diarrhea), and protein loss in the kidneys due underlying nephrotic /nephritic syndrome. You probably are the first category. We have enough stores to get us to about 3 months and then it goes down. You sound like you are doing everything right so I would not worry.

Blueyz · 05-30-2006, 06:59 PM

Whitney,

Congrats on the 63 pounds gone forever. You are doing a great job and have such a nice, positive attitude. Now that I personally know you, I can say to all that you are such a wonderful, caring person and you deserve all the happiness in return.

ValenP · 05-30-2006, 07:17 PM

wow whitney I can't believe you're going to be 3 months post op!! you're almost in Onederland!!!!!! you must be so happy !!!!

Vibe1973 · 05-30-2006, 07:35 PM

Whitney-- congrats on your 3 month check-up, 63#'s gone forever is FANTASTIC!!!!

Gina in NY · 05-30-2006, 07:52 PM

You know I've been here watching you through this whole process and besides that fact that you are just a total babe,

you are doing GREAT! I know you're pleased and I hope you realize how inspiring it is to watch your progress, especially since I'll be having my bypass open too.

The protein will work itself out - I mean if you're taking it in and it isn't showing up, your doctor will have to figure it out - you aren't doing anything wrong that I know of. I mean it isn't like calcium, where you need magnesium to absorb it, right?

Just talk to him, tell him you're concerned.
The big question is how do you feel?

More later sister - I'm on your tail - only three weeks to go!