62 Y.o. Female with Hypothyroidism - RNY Gastric Bypass - Cary, NC

This past week I decided to focus on this chronic constipation I've had since having bypass surgery. Thanksgiving weekend was the worst I'd ever had, so I decided I had waited long enough to introduce some fresh greenery. My dad, who was disabled at a young age, had a lot of problems with constipation. But, he always said, "if I can have my beans and greens, all is well." So, last week, I started eating salads for lunch. I stayed away from iceburg lettuce, since it's known to be constipating, and I didn't put hard to chew veggies in the salad. I included some black beans and eggs for protein. I also added a little guacamole instead of salad dressing. Then, every morning when I drank my coffee, I went to the bathroom (retraining the "urge"--bought a Squatty Potty).

Voila. Success!

Oh. And I did not lose this week; I maintained. But, I was also unable to walk every morning last week because of the "retraining" I was working on. However, this morning I was back on schedule in both the bathroom and walking department!

Sorry if this was TMI; I only record this for those who may have the same issues.

I'm so happy to have found something that works for me, and now I feel like I can get back to the business of weight loss....

This morning's results: 197.8....So, 2.4 lbs. lost this past week! Hopefully, by next Monday I will surpass the 30-lbs. lost mark. I almost weigh less than my husband now...just a few more weeks :)

Still suffering -- a lot -- with chronic constipation. I am now taking a laxative daily for 7 days to try and "retrain the bowel." I had the worst episode EVER while I was off over Thanksgiving. It is quite debilitating. It's very hard getting vegetables in when protein is the #1 priority, as well as getting fluids in. I'm not sure if this affects sleevers as much as bypass patients, but most of the comments I've read from constipation sufferers come from bypass patients. Time will tell, but I suspect I will be one of those little old ladies that has to take daily laxatives for the rest of my life. I'm working hard to prevent that and I haven't given up yet, but given my history since toddlerhood, I suspect my body is going to be unwilling to cooperate. And, I'm okay taking a little bit different path than I expected to get where I want to go--as long as I can remain healthy and vital in my golden years!

And on another front....I am on monthly labs for a few months to see how my weight loss is affecting my hypothyroidism. A few weeks after my surgery my TSH levels were as high as when I was diagnosed 7 years ago and I was scared that my body was not absorbing my synthroid. I was tested a week and a half ago and everything was in the normal range, so I'm happy with that! My dr. is also tracking my calcium, iron, B12, etc., to insure the vitamin supplements are being absorbed.

I hope everyone has a marvelous week. I took the day off today and I'm headed out (in the rain) for a relaxing walk around the lake behind my neighborhood.

I'm down 27.2 pounds -- currently weigh 200.2 lbs. I hope to be in Onederland at my 9-week weigh in. I won't know how to behave....

I still have lots of issues with chronic constipation, which has been the only downside to this whole journey. I keep hoping that when I can start eating salads and such that this is going to ease up. I go back to the doctor Dec. 22, so that's a discussion I'll have......