"I had been overweight for 14 years and I was ready to be physically active again. I had tried EVERYTHING to lose weight including Phen fen and Redux. A few things worked, but only temporarily. The weight always came back."
11. What can I take for a cold?
Any of the usual cold medications may be taken, with the exception of those
that contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [e.g., Advil Cold and Sinus(TM),
Motrin Cold and Sinus®, etc.], alcohol, or aspirin. More specifically, the
following drugs cannot be taken afterwards:
Aspirin
Any form of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with the exceptions mentioned above in Answer 3 (gas products).
Alcohol
12. How long will I feel weak and tired?
After gastric bypass or LAP-BAND® surgery,
and for the first three to six months following the surgeries, there is very
rapid breakdown of the toxic metabolic products of fat in the body. These materials
reach the body's circulation in the form of uric acid, urea and various ketones
and acetones. While this rapid phase of weight loss is occurring and these materials
are circulating in the blood, before the kidneys can excrete them, there is
an associated group of common observations that patients have:
A feeling of fatigue and weakness
Temporary hair loss
A metallic odor of the breath
Change in the odor or feel of the skin
These changes are temporary and will begin to fade after the most rapid phase [the first six months] of weight loss is over.
13. Why am I losing so much hair?
This is one of the most common side effects after gastric bypass or LAP-BAND® surgery.
The best explanation is mentioned above. The hair follicles throughout the body
are sensitive to circulating levels of acidic components such as uric acid,
ketones and acetones, and urea nitrogen. Consuming large amounts of water advised
in the protocol, vitamins, and the combination of intensive exercise can reduce
many complications, especially this one. If symptoms persist, increase the protein
shake to twice a day and contact your doctor.
14. Why have I stopped losing weight?
In the first six months after the gastric bypass or LAP-BAND® surgery,
approximately two thirds of all the excess weight will be lost provided that
the patient observes the following:
No snacking between meals
Exercise at least one hour four days a week
Take protein supplements, at least 30 grams daily
Take vitamins + B12
During the three to six month period, and particularly after
the first six month period, the patient will observe periods
of two to four weeks or more where there is “a plateau effect.” This
is common, to be expected, and as long as the above four principles
of dietary and lifestyle change are observed, should not be worrisome.
