WELCOME BECKY..MIMI
bokaygal@... wrote:Hello everybody!
Nice to be part of this group, I just joined a few days ago.
I'm excited to tell you that I am having a WLS in 14 days, 19 hours, 46
minutes and 18 seconds from now! This has been 13 months in coming and I can
hardly wait!
Thanks for a wonderful site and mail list. I look forward to getting to know
you all better!
Becky from AZ
is the lice chat over?
LICE CHAT?!?!
n_waters27 <n_waters27@...
Hi Pam, just wanted to know if you have tried Obesityhelp.com.com. they have
a lot of doctor listed there.hope this helps.stacy Beck Galesburg,Illinois
sorry live chat. I was new to the group. It was a mistake just shoot
me!!
Good question, I just might! :)
Tanya T.
Lap RNY 6/20/03
432/281/170
Houston, Dr. Adam Naaman
Visit my homepage at http://users3.ev1.net/~leeds/
"I will find my way, I can go the distance. I'll be there someday if I
can be strong, I know every mile will be worth my while, I would go most
anywhere to fell like I belong."
Anyone know of some good resources for recipes for immediate post-op
and beyond? I'm getting bored with what I'm eating at 10 days out.
Thanks,
Ray
Hi,
My name is Shirese. I am 5.2 and near 300 lbs. I have been overweight all my
life but obese since I was 21. I am looking at my options and surgery seems like
the only thing that will help me. I am worried because a friend of mine died
this morning and he had the surgery 2 weeks ago. Now I am afraid and don't know
what to do. I am also thinking that risk is better than living as I live now.
Shirese
My name is Fatima and I had Gastric Bypass surgery a little over a
year ago, October 9, 2002. I have lost 125 pounds to date and I am
finally on my way to enjoying life again! I was having problems
absorbing the right amount of nutrients until I was introduced to The
Greatest Vitamin in the World. I started taking this vitamin two
months ago and have definitely noticed significant changes. I am very
excited about this new vitamin it has worked wonders for me. You can
check it out for yourselves at
http://www.dontforgettotakeyourvitamins.com/hatch14269 . It is so
easy for my system to absorb and I get everything I need in one pill.
I am so excited about this product and I want to share it with
everyone. I look forward to making many new gastric bypass friends.
God bless!
http://my.Tupperware.com/FatimaSmith
Exciting, Fun, New and Innovative!
Praise God! So glad to hear that your husband is doing better.
-Gina in CA
LAP RNY 07-17-03
324/225.75/130?
Quick question on exercise. The doc cleared me to start
cardio yesterday. If I take in about 750 calories,
averaged, a day how many calories should I burn without
being dangerous at the gym?? What happens, internally, if
I burn too much??
The doc said my dizzy spells should even out as my body
accepts the diet changes.
Thanks,
Kris
another 7 lbs gone forever!
332/301/160
Jan 8, 2004
Hi Fatima,
Thanks for the info. I'm wondering, how do you take this vitamin? Do you break
it open and eat or drink the insides? It's late, so maybe I missed it, but
where can I find nutritional information so I can compare it to what I am
currently taking?
Thanks,
Gina in CA
LAP RNY 07-17-03
324/225.75/130?
Thanks for everyones response. I will be trying them out. I just
got news yesterday that my husband was injured in a bomb attack in
Baghdad. He has been medivac'ed to Germany and is in stable
condition. I am trying to find out if the Army will send me to
Germany to be with him. Please keep him and all the soldiers in
your prayers. He was on his way home after a year in that hell hole
and this happened!! I am really struggling with trying to make
myself eat and drink like I am suppose to these last 2 days.
Shelley D
haven't tried these, no time:
http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/vbowen2/index.html
good luck.
lori h.
Hi Shelley,
So sorry to hear about your husband. I will remember him in my prayers. I
have two nephews that are over there and it is so scary. We are here for you.
Mary A. B.
LAP RNY 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein, MD.
Mobile, Alabama
BMI 65/43
386/265-121LBS.
59 years old
Hi Shelley,
It's me again, don't forget to eat and drink or you will be sick and down and
your husband really needs you now. Force yourself. Good luck and hang in
there girl.
Mary A. B.
LAP RNY 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein, MD.
Mobile, Alabama
BMI 65/43
386/265-121LBS.
59 years old
You can get them here:
puritanspride.com
I have not purchased them as yet but I do intend to.
Candi
sorry i havent gotten to email in a while i just got back online and i have a
date its feb the 17th i go at 6am i cant wait the doctor also told me shes gonna
try to do me laposcopeic instead of open well i need to get off here talk to you
all more later tonight ,,,,melody mcneely in ohio
Hello Everyone! Just wanted to let you all know that I'm back from
surgery and everything went GREAT! I had Lap RnY Friday and came home
Sunday. I'm getting around pretty well. The only time I'm really out
of it is after I take my pain meds, but they are definitely
necessary. It's definitely time to go back and lay down now. Take
care and hope everyone else is doing well.
Kathy
Lap Rny 1/30/04
327/ ?
Jayne -
You can lose as much as 2/3 of hair, as it is a matter of cycles . . . our hair
goes through 3 different cycles, actively growing, dormant, and shedding. At
the time of surgery, hair follicles clamp down and all go dormant. When body
recovers enough to start hair again, you start shedding both the (formerly)
dormant and shedding phases.
Soon, tho, your head will start to feel rough, and those are some new hairs. A
month or three later, and you'll get rough again, and soon, you have 2 crops of
baby hairs!
Plan on cutting your hair short, if you can. The short hairs are less obnoxious
when they fall out, and soon, 2/3 of your hair will *be* short . . . but mine
is coming back with a vengeance. Healthier than ever, as a result of protein,
and a supplement call Hair, Skin & Nails (vitalady.com). These don't stop you
losing, but help it come back stronger, better.
Rachel
From: "positivejc" <jcapers@...
Subject: Question about losing hair- How much do you lose???
I'm following the posts about hari loss with great interest. When
post-ops say they are losing hair, do you mean you lose enough to
need a wig, or is it thining hair. It is what it is, but I just
want to be prepared.
Thanks,
Jayne
Lap RNY w/ choly 3/12/04
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.
Glad to hear all is well Kathy!!! Rest Up!!! A New Life Awaits!!!
Candi
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to let you all know that at my three month follow-up with
the surgeon, my blood work showed very low potassium. I had been
getting some cramping in my legs and really wasn't surprised. We are
losing weight so fast and we are losing lots and lots of fluid which
I guess takes potassium from us. The dr. put me on a potassium
supplement but silly me had only been taking it when I thought about
it and then on Monday morn at 4:00 a.m. I woke up with the most
horrible cramping in my foot of all places!!! I thought I had gout
cuz just having the sheet on it hurt so much and then when I decided
to walk around to maybe get rid of the cramp, I could barely stand
putting my foot down on the floor, let alone my weight!!! I was a
little scared, but once I got to work where I had the potassium and
took the dosage I needed, within an hour, the pain gradually cleared
up.
Other than that, feeling great, still haven't had sugar except for
two chocolate covered macadamia nuts!!!! Still scared about
dumping!!! Have only once, don't want it again!!! Still have very
little appetite. Food does not interest me, it's quite awesome for
this former big eater!!!! Still haven't lost any hair yet!!!!HOORAY
FOR ME!!!! I'm at four months now and the surgeon told me if it's
going to happen, it will start happening now. I am stuffing myself
with protein and I hope this keeps my hair theway it is.
Looking forward to trying meat in another two months!!!! still
eating lots of soft boiled eggs. Better recheck cholesterol very
soon, huh?
LoriB
LAPRNY 10/3/03
228/165!!!!!!/130ish
Shelly, I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I will definitely keep him and
all other soldiers in my prayers. I hope u get to be there with him. Take
care honey, and everything will be alright.
Ayanna
open rnY
12.08.03
349/312/ ?
Nora -
My first, and second, even third reaction to your post is that you ate too much.
Another possiblity is that you got your stoma blocked (maybe a bite thast wasn't
chewed well.) You don't say how small a small patty is, but I use the rule of
thumb. I can eat dense proteins approx. the size of my thumb. Maybe a few
bites of vegs in addition. That's all.
I have never had any problem eating any kind of meat. I realize that others do.
But basically, burger is already "chewed", and provided that you chew it, too,
it shouldn't be a problem.
Check your volume . . . I eat 1-1.5 oz by volume - a shot glass full. And I do
a protein shake 15 min before or so, so that I don't feel ravenously hungry.
I've thrown up exactly twice - both times when I took pills (which block the
stoma temporarily) then ate too soon afterwards. Immediately afterwards. My
bad.
Good luck with figuring this out, try measuring your intake, and be *sure* you
chew well. Also, bread can "wad" and block stoma.
Rachel
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.
I keep getting allot of these messages that say they are spam. Whats up with
that?
Pam
Thanks Everyone for sharing your knowledge, understanding and
advice. It's amazing, but I did not exercise yesterday and I dropped
a pound. Go figure!
It is frustrating sometimes to try to figure out what to do and what
not to do. Seeing the scale go up, just causes me to panic. I've
watched the scale creep up for so many years, now when I think that
it can do nothing but go down, it creeps back up again.
Thank you for all of your kind responses and your understanding.
There is nothing like sharing with others that have been there or are
currently where you are.
Stephanie
237-201-130
11/18/03
So sorry to hear of your husbands injury. I will be praying for him as well as
for all of our troops over there. It is so sad to think of him being hurt and
you not being able to be there for him right away when he needs you most. I will
also pray for you too! Take care of yourself...for your husband when he gets
home!
Steph
shelleyd1968 <davis1237@...
Thanks for everyones response. I will be trying them out. I just
got news yesterday that my husband was injured in a bomb attack in
Baghdad. He has been medivac'ed to Germany and is in stable
condition. I am trying to find out if the Army will send me to
Germany to be with him. Please keep him and all the soldiers in
your prayers. He was on his way home after a year in that hell hole
and this happened!! I am really struggling with trying to make
myself eat and drink like I am suppose to these last 2 days.
Shelley D
See everyone on the loosing side very soon!!!!!!!!!!!!
Diane
Hi Steph,
Did you TRY Curves or just watch? It really is a good workout, and it's one of
those things...you get out what you put in. When I first saw it, I thought the
same thing as you. But once I got into it, let me tell you, I can work up a
sweat and I can FEEL my workout the next day. Plus, the eqipment is all pretty
size friendly. Even us big girls can get a good, safe workout there.
Gina in CA
LAP RNY 07-17-03
324/225.75/130?
Shelley.
My prayers are with you and your husband and all our brave soldiers over
there. I hope you get to join him. I would go crazy. Know that I am
thinking about you.
Andra Stewart
Hi everyone ! My name is Jennifer and I am getting ready to have a
gastric by-pass . I am married and have 3 beautiful little girls .
My first surgery appointment was to be on Mrach 17 ... then moved up
to March 3rd . Just got a phone call today asking me if I can move up
to Feb 23rd . Im very excited , nervous and a bit emotional as well .
Tomorrow I go for all my pre testing .
I seen this group and it looks amazing :) . I have looked at a lot of
before and after pics . Im still in shock congrats to all of you ...
YOU LOOK AMAZING !!!!
Jennifer :)
RACHEL, THIS IS MIMI I JUST WAN TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS...WHAT
DO YOU DO? ARE YOU A NURSE, I ALSO LOVE LORI, CANDI, MINDI, RAY'S..ETC..
COMMENTS--IT SOUNDS SO DETAILED...I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL..I'VE REALLY LEARNED
ALOT HERE..MIMI
Rachel Hawkridge <rayehawk@...
You can lose as much as 2/3 of hair, as it is a matter of cycles . . . our hair
goes through 3 different cycles, actively growing, dormant, and shedding. At
the time of surgery, hair follicles clamp down and all go dormant. When body
recovers enough to start hair again, you start shedding both the (formerly)
dormant and shedding phases.
Soon, tho, your head will start to feel rough, and those are some new hairs. A
month or three later, and you'll get rough again, and soon, you have 2 crops of
baby hairs!
Plan on cutting your hair short, if you can. The short hairs are less obnoxious
when they fall out, and soon, 2/3 of your hair will *be* short . . . but mine
is coming back with a vengeance. Healthier than ever, as a result of protein,
and a supplement call Hair, Skin & Nails (vitalady.com). These don't stop you
losing, but help it come back stronger, better.
Rachel
From: "positivejc" <jcapers@...
Subject: Question about losing hair- How much do you lose???
I'm following the posts about hari loss with great interest. When
post-ops say they are losing hair, do you mean you lose enough to
need a wig, or is it thining hair. It is what it is, but I just
want to be prepared.
Thanks,
Jayne
Lap RNY w/ choly 3/12/04
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.
I will help if you want me to..I had my surgery on Jan14
2004...karOn7744@...
FATIMA, HOW MUCH IS THA BOTTLE AND IS THAT ONE MONTH SUPPLY?
flyingsafat <flyingsafat@...
Bypass surgery a little over a
year ago, October 9, 2002. I have lost 125 pounds to date and I am
finally on my way to enjoying life again! I was having problems
absorbing the right amount of nutrients until I was introduced to The
Greatest Vitamin in the World. I started taking this vitamin two
months ago and have definitely noticed significant changes. I am very
excited about this new vitamin it has worked wonders for me. You can
check it out for yourselves at
http://www.dontforgettotakeyourvitamins.com/hatch14269 . It is so
easy for my system to absorb and I get everything I need in one pill.
I am so excited about this product and I want to share it with
everyone. I look forward to making many new gastric bypass friends.
God bless!
http://my.Tupperware.com/FatimaSmith
Exciting, Fun, New and Innovative!
Pam,
Please speak with my physician's case manager, see information below
Sue Wedergren, Bariatric Case Manager for Dr. Jon Thompson Omaha,
Nebraska
The Nebraska Medical Center
402-559-9640
I believe she will be able to help you.
Ray Walters
myway@...
Web Site: http://members.cox.net/myway (coming soon)
Hmmm...I don't see how burning too many calories can be a problem for you.
However, if you are not in good cardio health, then yes, you need to be careful
working out, but that has little to do with calories burned. If you feel
light-headed or weak, then you are probably pushing your limit. Stop if you
feel this way, and just slow down, like a cool down phase and stop your workout.
Burning calories gets tricky after surgery. The drastic reduction in our
caloric intake compromises our metabolism. The less we eat, the slower it gets.
In order to kick it back up, we need to exercise regularly. I'm still working
at the "regularly" thing, but at about 6 months post-op, I can already see how
things are changing and I'm having to work harder now.
-Gina in CA
LAP RNY 07-17-03
324/225.75/130?
thanks everybody
pam
Hi Gina,
No, I didn't try Curves, but have done a similar workout at my gym. Like I said,
a lot of women really love it, it just isn't what I want or wanted. I love the
variety of things a full gym offers but to a lot of people Curves is just what
they are looking for!
Keep up the great work and keep working out!
Steph
Gina <mmgood010469@...
Hi Steph,
Did you TRY Curves or just watch? It really is a good workout, and it's one of
those things...you get out what you put in. When I first saw it, I thought the
same thing as you. But once I got into it, let me tell you, I can work up a
sweat and I can FEEL my workout the next day. Plus, the eqipment is all pretty
size friendly. Even us big girls can get a good, safe workout there.
Gina in CA
LAP RNY 07-17-03
324/225.75/130?
Congrats on your date!! I go in on the 20th of Feb. I am 27 with
hsuband and 2 kids 4 and 6. Welcome to the group the folks here are
great!!
Thanks for the info. Luckily, I do wear my hair short.
Jayne
Lap RNY 3/12/04
Had my first followup today, -27 pounds. Staples were removed, blood
pressure probably 4 points off Systolic and Diastolic numbers. Need
to stretch out protein a little more and need to be more aware of
fluid intake. Otherwise, feeling good and looking forward the coming
weeks. No nausea thus far and able to tolerate most anything new.
Always looking for new recipes for the interim 4 weeks, all ideas
are welcome, thanks.
Jason,
I see you are a night-owl like me. I feel for you and your situation. And
yes, we are a good group of people who can all relate to each other and the
difficulty of living with obesity. It hurts me to hear that you were asked to
leave a church because of your body odor. It may have not been the church for
you if they were not willing to befriend you and offer some kind of help. It
must have taken all the energy you had just to get yourself there. Please
don't give up. Find other places where you can get support and friendship,
online
and also out there in the world. Obesity has caused many of us to isolate
which perpetuates the cycle of depression and unhappiness. My thoughts are with
you, Jason, and I bring you positive thoughts that your life moves in the
direction it's meant to be. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.
Patti T.
SMDC, Duluth, MN
Dr. Jon Krook
Lap RNY
2/3/2004
308/293/140
Hi Rose, Congrats on the loss!!!!! Please do not compare yourself to
others...everyone looses at their own pace. I have found that the more protein
you eat/drink, the more weight you lose. Are you getting your protien in?...how
about your fluids? You are doing great!!! sherri
My New Year's Eve present to myself was my surgery. I went in at 275
and now(if my scale is trustworthy)I'm at 244. I'm being careful
about my food and I'm walking/working out about 3 miles if not every
day, then every other-depending on my work schedual. But it feels
like it's going so slowly!
Is this as slow as it feels like??
I feel the same way....even though I have lost 87 pounds in like 3 months....I
wish I was losing faster...but losing 2 - 3 pounds a week, like I am doing now,
is probably a lot healthier...it is just disheartening at times to see other
people lose faster cause I think we all use each other as an indicator of how we
should be losing when in fact everyone is different in their weight loss.
Carol Matar
Post op 10/31/03
Dr. Adam Naaman
Houston, TX
405/305/135
87 pounds gone forever!
Carol Matar
In a message dated 2/16/2004 11:19:35 PM Eastern Standard Time,
case96005@... writes:
http://www.line2freedom.com
They never explained what it is I would be doing but wanted $$$$ upfront like
most of the work at home programs. i do not trust that at all. Did you
actually do this yourself??
God Bless,
Robin, NorthEastern, NY
EDD- July 27th, 2004
Mommy to:
Benjamin & Jonathan
(twin boys 7 1/2),
Madison, daughter, 5 years and
Wife to Pup 15 years (October 31, 1988)
Gastric Bypass Surgery-
October 18th 2002
Start-378, current- 246(pregnant)
goal 170 after baby :)
Your church told you not to come back because of a little smell? Who are
they, perfect creatures? Apparently they haven't come to the conclusion
that God is supposed to love everyone no matter what. I don't
necessarily believe or disbelieve, but I do believe in basic human
kindness and it sounds like this "church" doesn't have any.
Tanya T.
Lap RNY 6/20/03
432/267/170
Houston, Dr. Adam Naaman
Visit my homepage at http://users3.ev1.net/~leeds/
"I will find my way, I can go the distance. I'll be there someday if I
can be strong, I know every mile will be worth my while, I would go most
anywhere to feel like I belong."
Jason,
I am so sorry about your church being so unkind. My heart goes out to
you. My advice would be to find a new church. My grandmother went
through the same problem as you are. But she was not aware that she
had an odor until my mother spoke with her regarding it. She showered
regularly but was unable to control the odor. She visited a
dematologist who suggested that she use anti-bacterial soap and also
the put Gold Bond medicated powder in the folds of her skin after she
dried off. It made her process of bathing longer but it really helped
her and improved self-esteem.
Keep your chin up my friend!
Kellie
my sister and I went to see Dr. Boss (surgeon) today and we were both passed
thru. It even looks like we'll be able to share a room! We have a date of
April 5th. I'm so nervous and excited. We decided to go earlier than the
original June date because it just worked out better and hopefully i'll be able
to eat cucumbers etc.. out of my garden in the summer if I have my surgery in
April. Dr. Boss was super nice. He asked me if I was sure I could put myself
and my needs ahead of my kids..I think he was concerned because there were so
many of them. He seemed reassured and said I was an excellent candidate. I did
find out i'd lost 3/4 of an inch in my height somewhere in the last 9 years of
being so big! APRIL 5th here we come!
Faith
Congrats and how wonderful you get to go in with your sister!!!
Hi I am sheryl miller in NM. I had my surgery July 22, 2002 Open Rny. I am now
150 lbs lighter and about 8 cloathing sizes down. I am about to gradutate from
my college classes in Office Administration. I am 46 years old and my son is 21
now and on his own. I am so happy with my progress. I am only about half way to
my goal but I am happy with my new life. I was wheelchair bound before surgery
and now I am walking 30 min a day 5 days a week. I can walk sams club, walmart,
and our little mall now and I feel great. Please write me and let me know how
all of you are doing. I am concerned how everyone is doing.
Sheryl Miller Open rny July 22, 2002 516/453/365/160
Hope you continue to do great. Wishing you a "boring" and uneventful
recovery!
Jayne
Lap RNY 3/12/04
Shelley,
I'm so sorry to here about your husband. My husband's nephew just got back
last Monday and two days before they left to come home, he was injured in a
mortar attack. He is stationed in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.
Heavenly Scents Candle Company
Vickie Smith
523 Dickson Circle
Sherman, Texas 75090
903-893-3833
website: www.heavenlyscentstx.us
e-mail: rasmith@...
Jessie -
This sounds like dumping to me . . . racing heart, dizzy, cold sweats, *BIG
NAP*, and is the result of eating too much sugar or fat, usually.
Other things can make us dump, but it's usually sugar or fat.
Rachel
From: JeSsIe YoUr PrInCeSs <jessiegirl2hott4u@...
Subject: Re: Dizzy Spells!!
as for the dizzy spells i get them like 2 times a month i cant figure
out why i get them either i feel like crap when this happens and i just
pass out usally like i cant stay awake i sweat and get cold at the same
time my heart races too does this happen to anyone else? plz let me
know??????????
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.
Hi everyone! I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately but we've just
moved and I haven't been on the computer at all. Tonight I had a little
time and decided to try to wade through the 700 emails I had (from three
different groups) and this one caught my attention.
As someone who works at Curves, I must interject. Several comments have
been made regarding the amount of workout time and the type of workout.
I have to say that unless you do try it, you're really not getting any
idea of how difficult and how very beneficial it is to you. I joined
Curves before I ever started working there and I was amazed at how well
it really works.
First of all, yes, Curves only allows you to work out for 30 seconds on
each machine. That is ALL you NEED to work out. The machines in
combination with the pads allows you a COMPLETE strength and resistance
training workout along with a COMPLETE aerobic workout. Thirty seconds
does not seem like it's a very long time but it is all your body needs
to get the exercise that it needs. Herein, I've kind of answered the
second point. It is a COMPLETE strength/resistance training and aerobic
workout. It gets your heart rate up to where it needs to be without
overworking your muscles. When you're doing a workout at a gym with
weights (unsupervised) you could be working too hard or not enough and
this could result in hurt, bruised or torn muscles. When you're doing an
aerobic workout only, you're not getting in the resistance training and
strength training. Curves offers a total body workout in 30 minutes, 3
times a week.
On a personal note, since I started working out at Curves (on Nov.
20th), I've lost a total of 37.5 inches and 42lbs. Of course, not all of
that is Curves, but I don't think that I would consistently continue
losing over 20 lbs. per month at 7 months out of surgery if I didn't
have Curves. Also, I (so far, knock on wood) do not have ANY excess
skin hanging off of me at all. I think that drinking 128 oz. of water
per day and Curves did that....otherwise, I'd look like a giant prune.
If anyone has any other questions about this subject, or anything I've
said, please email me anytime :).
Hope everyone is well!
Tanya T.
Lap RNY 6/20/03
432/277/170
Houston, Dr. Adam Naaman
Visit my homepage at http://users3.ev1.net/~leeds/
"I will find my way, I can go the distance. I'll be there someday if I
can be strong, I know every mile will be worth my while, I would go most
anywhere to fell like I belong."
Thanks to everyone for all your well wishes! I had my 1 week check up
to have my drain removed today and I have already lost 11 lbs!!! I
was shocked. If anything I felt I might have gained, still feel a
bit bloated. The Doc was really pleased with the way I'm moving
about. I must say I'm already getting bored being in this house.
Won't be getting out much with the ice storm that is coming our way
tonight. Can't wait to get back to work 2/16, Hoping I'm still saying
that once I'm back...lol! Oh! One question, Can anyone help me on how
to deal with this gas?!?!...lol! My stomach just rumbles but cannot
relieve itself. I told a friend tonight I have an alien in my
stomach. I've offically named him Marvin...hehehe... If it weren't
for that I'd feel almost normal.
Kathy
Lap Rny 1/30/04
327/316/?
Standard answers . . . dehydrates us (well, everybody, but we can afford it
less). Can affect us more strongly than normies. Colas leech calcium from our
bones (the phosphoric acid, not the caffeine). STuff like that.
You hafta decide . . . I'm sucking on a diet Coke right now. :o) And no, I
didn't get enough water today.
Rachel
From: "Allan" <apa@...
Subject: caffiene
What is about caffeine that bypass patients can not have it?
Allan
Lap Rny
12-15-03
312 / 245 / ?
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.
hi all,
well I am doing ok i guess, I am 5 weeks out. And have started on food well
trying. I just can really eat anything. I try to eat then throw up or it hurts
so bad. I am eating small bites. I just ate a small hamburger really lean
stuff everything was fine it went down ok, but then i felt i was going to
puke.. and i did.. i am gaging and feel it there it goes up and down so i just
help it come out. I do still drink my HMR shakes but i still want food. Is this
normal what am i doing wrong.. why does it hurt so bad sometimes.. I feel
so yucky after i throw up. like right now i threw up but not all of it i still
feel it want to come up just sitting there in my throat. i need help i am
scared i am doing something to me. I am down 33 pounds. a pound a day. I
don't no so advice please. caroline what is going on with me. should i call
dr.owens or will this pass? ok let me know..
Nora
12/30/03
GB Lap
291/258/150
If you are going to lose hair, you will lose it. Not everyone does, but many of
us do. It usually starts about 2-4 months out, and continues for 3-4 months.
THen one day, you will notice that your scalp feels rough. These are brand new,
baby hairs. A month or 3 later, you will notice roughness again. This will be
the second crop.
It will come back. Hair, SKin and NAils and biotin may help you hair be
healthier, stronger when it comes back, but will not stop the loss. Nioxin,
especially, will not help. Even for baldness (as opposed to traumatic loss,
like we have), the new hair falls out once you stop using the Nioxin. Save your
$$.
And if you feel you must argue with me, do some research first. THis is a
normal phenomenon, well documented. Has to do with the cyclical life of hair.
Rachel
<<Subject: Biotin - Please Help
Could someone please tell me where to find the BIOTIN? I am 4
months post op and losing my hair. I have already lost half of the
hair that I had and would like to try to salvage the remaining. I
am using Nioxin Shampoo and have been for 2 months but it is not
helping.
Thanks
Shelley D
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.
Is there usually a long waiting list for this type of surgery? Do they send u
to seminars or classes to know how to handle the changes this will make in our
lives? I set up my appt last week and the earliest they could get me in was the
end of June. I didn't know if it was just my surgeon or if was that way
everywhere. I have all ready talked it over with my shrink, she has had me
under her care since 2000m when I was sent to her for my sleeping disorder and
she thinks I would be a good candiatate and could handle the fast changes that
occur in this type of surgery. I pray that both of u have an easy and
successful surgery.
Tricia in AL
Hi Becky,
My surgeon is Dr. Amy Koler. I have not heard of your surgeon or anything
about him, but I know there are some very experienced surgeons here in
Arizona. I am over by the White Mountains so I am going to Tempe for
surgery.
Have a great evening,
Sue - Arizona
Bridget -
I use several whey protein powders, all much less expensive than Atkins. I do
about 6 shakes a day (minimum), and carry a shaker cup and powder with me all
the time.
I use . . .
Nectar by Syntrax - Fuzzy Navel has no aspartame; Strawberry Kiwi, Apple
Ecstacy, Very Cherry Berry, and Caribbean Cooler have aspartame. These are
juicy kind of shakes, not milky.
Proplete Gold by LaBrada - I love the Pineapple Vanilla, and Mixed Berry Blast.
These are milky-type shakes, with bits of dried fruit in 'em. Don't blend them.
Pure Whey STack by Champion Nutrition - Theis is the one I use the most.
Chocolate (tastes like fudgesicle), Cocoa-Moccachino (mild latte flavor), Banana
Scream (more and later candy flavor), Vanilla, Strawberry . . . all are good.
Good value, inexpensive.
I also like Whey Fruity by Molecular Nutrition (use a spoon to mix this one)
once in a while (free samples at their website), Weider Whey Protein Isolate
(these last 2 brands are juicy-type drinks). Other milky-type shakes I use are
SciFit . . . most flavors are good. Inexpensive. Shakes up easily with cup.
You can get samples of all of these (except Whey Fruity) for small cost at
www.vitalady.com, so that you can try before you spend a buncha money. She's
longterm postie (9+ years), and only carries products that are good for us.
Hope this helps . . .
Rachel
<<Subject: protein powder
I have started using the Atkins shakes instead of breakfast to get
my protein in and they are good but expensive! Everything else I've
tried tastes like chalk or is just plain gross. Anyone have any
other recommendations. I'm 5 weeks out and still having trouble
getting ENOUGH calories in. What a switch, huh.
Thanks!
Bridget
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.
I don't know if she had any pain and ignored it. My father n law
did not have all the details. I was asking him things like...did
she do what the surgeon told her, was she eating what she was
suppose to?, etc. He really did not know a whole lot. I did ask
him to try to find out more cause I would like to know. I would
think that with a major infection she would know...fever and
possible pain. With the twisted intestines...I would think that
this would cause alot of pain. I will let you all know if I find
out anything else. I am trying not to worry too much or to start
thinking that things are wrong with me. Gotta put my trust in the
Lord!
Take care,
Shelley
Now there is a sentence that I would not have expected to see my name in.
I am glad I am not the only one who "assumed" the brick went in the bowl.
Candi
I HAVE A DATE JAN 26TH WHOOO HOOOOO
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL
ATLANTA, GA
i don't have a surg date yet because i'm waiting for the ins to
approve it. the job opening closed last friday and now i'm just
waiting. went to see my counselor today and have decided that if i
am selected for the job, that i'm gonna turn them down, and wait for
my surgery. there are always other jobs and i don't wanna put off
surgery any longer. thanks mimi for answering me back. i really
appreciate it.
HELLO GROUP:
first let me start by saying congrats to all that are postup.I am
very happy to hear that it all work out great.Next to all those who
have surgry coming up soon GOOD LUCK..I will have you in my
prayers.As for me i just had my evaluation today and everything
turned out better than i thought it would.At first i was scared and
full of doubts but after today i turned my fear into excitment and
let me tell you it is all about knowledge if you are not sure about
the operation or if you are in doubt just do your homework and i will
promise you that you will do what is best for you,no matter what
anyone says to you.I also attened my first group today and the
information i got from those in postop were awesome.Hopefully if
everything goes well i would have a surgry date by the end of this
month. PLEASE WISH ME LUCK. THANK YOU AMY.
I know this group is about gastric bypass, and if everyone has been
reading my messages I am going to the doctor tomorrow about having
one. But I can not find a group on adult acne or get any help from
anyone, and I started getting acne on my chin about a year ago and I
can not get rid of it at all!! It is moving up on the sides of my
mouth, scarring and all! I am 25, this is ridiculous! I should have
went through this years ago! I never got a zit in highschool. I
figure maybe some of you have some helpful advice since you have so
far on the gastric bypass. No other group is as helpful as you all!
thanks,
Andrea
Hope...
My prayers and best wishes are with you. Please keep us posted as to your
progress.
Hope <lhopefull74@...
I HAVE A DATE JAN 26TH WHOOO HOOOOO
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL
ATLANTA, GA
Congradulations on your date .I know that you will be happy ,I am
very happy that I had my surgery ,it was the best decision I made.I
am off all of my diabeties Meds And all of the other Meds that I was
taking all but one BP med and soon I wont need it.I wish you an
uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery god bless you,I will keep
you in my prayers.Wasia
LAP RNY
12-17-03
Dr,waldrep
304/279/???
Hi all,
This is Jason King from Dallas, Texas. I am not getting email from this group
and I am wondering if there is any problem. My AOL/AIM/CompuServe name is
cyberbear212004. Please help!!
Yours in Recovery,
Jason
Jason....
Got your e-mail. Let me know if you got this one.
cyberbear212004@... wrote:
Hi all,
This is Jason King from Dallas, Texas. I am not getting email from this group
and I am wondering if there is any problem. My AOL/AIM/CompuServe name is
cyberbear212004. Please help!!
Yours in Recovery,
Jason
Hi all,
Haven't posted in awhile but I'm still lurking and reading the posts. I've had
a couple of e-mails from people asking how I'm doing so I thought I'd post an
update.
I had a goal of being under 300 lbs. by Jan 1, but my body basically rebelled
against me, lol. From mid-October until Christmas I was sick pretty much
nonstop with both the flu and bronchitis, leading me to slack way off on my
exercising (bad excuse, I know). As a result I had only lost a couple of more
pounds at my last weigh-in Decmber 16. I am feeling much better now, and I have
already resumed my visits to the gym.
My surgeon intially told me I should be happy if I got down to where I am now,
based on my starting weight. Don't get me wrong, I am ECSTATIC with my
progress. But I haven't been under 300 lbs. since the 8th grade, and that is
DEFINITELY something I want to change. Ideally, I would like to lose about
another 40-50 lbs to be completely satisfied. I still would weigh more than my
so-called "ideal" weight, but that won't bother me at all!
There are good things to report, though. My 10-year-old daughter has come to
live with me full-time. I will also be going back to college beginning with the
Summer term to complete my degree. On top of that, I will be accompanying my
church's mission group to Mexico in March. That's pretty amazing: Two years
ago I couldn't walk down the hall without getting out of breath, and in two
months I'll be tramping around another country!
Steve G.
open RNY 5/6/02 Dr. Mark Gibbs
605/319/299 (just get me under 300, lol!)
well i watched it today and i have to say the topic was about the
gastric bypass surgery and i am glad it is getting out to people that
we are trying to help ourselves....
i am begaining to get sick all the time but only when i smell people
cooking i do not know what is wrong but like tonight i was at my moms
house and my sister was cooking dinner for my folks and the smell
made me sick as a dog can anyone help me out????
I started to watch it but had to run out right when they were begining to
show the surgery process. Did they show that in detail? I'm glad they are
showing it that way now too. I'm tired of the only thing being in the news are
the
bad things that happen during the surgery. If they only would notarize the
success stories that the surgery has done... Some people say to me, oh you
took the easy way out. I'm like, no I took the only route I knew that would
work
for me and it was by no means easy. Janis : )
Hi all! My ins (Cigna HMO) just denied my first level appeal! I
guess I'm not completely surprised, but I sure am bummed! The
reason, the 6 month physician supervised diet. Aside from that, I
qualify hands-down. Anyone in here had to appeal more than once? I
don't post often but I'd love some moral support and a big family
hug!
Congratulations to all the losers, you are all doing so great!
Take care everyone, Carol in Miami
I wish I had, I can't get the tv away from my children!!! Sounds
like it was a good show!!
About the mourning food, I have never had an eating problem my
overweight is from a slow metabolism and from my mom and dad, there
big, so I always figure it was genetics too. But I don;t eat all
day. Not that I don't want to. I am just not hungry. If theres not a
diet coke in the fridge I drink water, 4 bottles so far today, cause
tea makes me nauseaous since my childcarrying days, and milk I save
for my kids. I only eat dinner, and tonight I ate a piece of lemon
pepper chicken a nice serving of greenbean cassarole and some mash
tators, remind you I have had surgery, lol. I never eat breakfast n
lunch even when I try to I just ain't hungry!!!
Andrea
A TYPOOOO I HAVE NOT HAD SURGERY LMAO or i wouldn't had eaten that
for din din LOL! I read over it to late. o well!! I bet when you all
read that your mouths fell open LMAO!! sorry
Andrea
I don't know Merdine. I get sick from cooking smells as well. But not
always just sometimes. I have had to open the window when it was 20 degrees
outside.
Candi
Dear Group,
Just wanted you all to know that I really enjoyed the show. I just hope that
my hair does not fall out that bad and that I do not start acting like a
b______. At least that is what I heard someone say in the program. As far as my
search, I have to send a release to the doctore so that they can send my clinic
records to the insurance company. Then, from what I understand the insurance
company makes the appointment. So we shall see what we shall see.
Yours in Recovery,
Jason
Dear Family,
Just wanted tolet you all know that I am recieving you all again and
everything is comming in clear as a bell. More later!!
Yours in Recovery,
Jason
Hi everyone!
I had my surgery on January 6th and have been home for a few days
now. I was extremely nervous about having it but got over my fears
and anxieties and was actually quite calm the day of surgery. The
only time I was weepy was when I said good-bye to my husband and was
being wheeled into the operating room and realized that this is it.
The OR nurse was an angel though, and pulled the gurney to the side
of the hallway just outside the operating room and held my hand and
reassured me that everything will be fine, that my doctor was going
to take good care of me and that I should think about how I will
feel once I've lost the weight. She was so comforting that I just
took a deep breath and said I was ready so she wheeled me in and I
slid over onto the operating table. I remember looking around
briefly and that was it.
Yes, it was painful when I woke up...mainly because of the incision.
(I had open RNY.)I was in the hospital for three days and the
nursing staff was exceptional. I'm able to walk around just fine now
and the incision only hurts when I'm getting in and out of bed or a
chair. I was on clear liquids while in the hospital and am now on
full liquids. Luckily, my story isn't anything out of the
extraordinary. I'm glad it's finally over with and I can focus on
recuperating and losing weight!
Sunny
Open RNY
1/6/2004
273/???/150
Steven....
Glad to hear aout your process. I can relate to the walking and breathing. I
am down 62 lbs since my surgery date of 8-13-03. As I qm bi-polar and on meds,
my weight loss is sloiwer than I would like, but at least I am loosing. Best
wishes with your continued success and would love to hear about your trip to
Mexico.
Steven Gibson <agentmulder99ar@...
Hi all,
Haven't posted in awhile but I'm still lurking and reading the posts. I've had
a couple of e-mails from people asking how I'm doing so I thought I'd post an
update.
I had a goal of being under 300 lbs. by Jan 1, but my body basically rebelled
against me, lol. From mid-October until Christmas I was sick pretty much
nonstop with both the flu and bronchitis, leading me to slack way off on my
exercising (bad excuse, I know). As a result I had only lost a couple of more
pounds at my last weigh-in Decmber 16. I am feeling much better now, and I have
already resumed my visits to the gym.
My surgeon intially told me I should be happy if I got down to where I am now,
based on my starting weight. Don't get me wrong, I am ECSTATIC with my
progress. But I haven't been under 300 lbs. since the 8th grade, and that is
DEFINITELY something I want to change. Ideally, I would like to lose about
another 40-50 lbs to be completely satisfied. I still would weigh more than my
so-called "ideal" weight, but that won't bother me at all!
There are good things to report, though. My 10-year-old daughter has come to
live with me full-time. I will also be going back to college beginning with the
Summer term to complete my degree. On top of that, I will be accompanying my
church's mission group to Mexico in March. That's pretty amazing: Two years
ago I couldn't walk down the hall without getting out of breath, and in two
months I'll be tramping around another country!
Steve G.
open RNY 5/6/02 Dr. Mark Gibbs
605/319/299 (just get me under 300, lol!)
Sunny....
glad to hear you are well and re-couping. It's all a matter of following your
doctor's and dietician's advice now. Don't be in a hurry to eat solids and when
you can remember to chew....chew....chew. My prayers and blessings are with you
for continued success.
Sunny <rainydayz35@...
Hi everyone!
I had my surgery on January 6th and have been home for a few days
now. I was extremely nervous about having it but got over my fears
and anxieties and was actually quite calm the day of surgery. The
only time I was weepy was when I said good-bye to my husband and was
being wheeled into the operating room and realized that this is it.
The OR nurse was an angel though, and pulled the gurney to the side
of the hallway just outside the operating room and held my hand and
reassured me that everything will be fine, that my doctor was going
to take good care of me and that I should think about how I will
feel once I've lost the weight. She was so comforting that I just
took a deep breath and said I was ready so she wheeled me in and I
slid over onto the operating table. I remember looking around
briefly and that was it.
Yes, it was painful when I woke up...mainly because of the incision.
(I had open RNY.)I was in the hospital for three days and the
nursing staff was exceptional. I'm able to walk around just fine now
and the incision only hurts when I'm getting in and out of bed or a
chair. I was on clear liquids while in the hospital and am now on
full liquids. Luckily, my story isn't anything out of the
extraordinary. I'm glad it's finally over with and I can focus on
recuperating and losing weight!
Sunny
Open RNY
1/6/2004
273/???/150
Andrea,
Just to share a bit, my husband and his sisters have all had acne and
they are grown adults. My husband is 31 and it's finally starting to
subside.
One product he's been using since I met him is a face wash that contains
Tea Tree oil and he has washed two times a day, now down to once a day.
The tea tree oil is an awesome cleaner, as it detoxifies the skin as it
cleanses. If you want more info just ask, he gets it now online a bit
cheaper then at the store.
Another product that is awesome for the skin, and keep in mind that what
we feel on the inside affects what our outsides look like. So, in
getting with that, a supplement of dandilion root and milk thistle which
helps to cleanse and detoxify your liver would be what I recommend.
I hope this information helps,
Susan
Thanks susan, I have been putting straight tea tree oil on my face
and it isnt helping, is it to strong should i dilute it or mix it
with something? I get the bottles of it off ebay. I know its not
diluted because my eyes water everytime I use it and I only have
acne on my chin and on sides of my mouth.
I will definilty try the supplements you suggested. I am sure it is
something going on on the inside of me. Maybe the doctor can help! I
am making a list. He is going to hate me! I haven't seen a doctor in
so long. I don't know where to start, from my head or toes!
Thanks again,
Andrea
ok was just trying to find the chat for the group could someone tell
me where do you find it i went to the group and hit chat but nothing
so please give me some guidness would love to participate.....
dee dee
494 pre op
post op
444 after one month
hi my name is candi i am 24 yrs old i weigh 257 pounds and am5''6''
and am getting ready for sergury just waiting for a date i am very
scared i have two little boys anthony 1 and a half and angelo 3 and
a half and am scared i wont servie the surgey i have heard all the
horrior stories and good stories but i need someone to chat with my
husband is having a hard time with this i have done resherch and my
dr is very good we i am scared to death i am haveing a open rny
soon thanks candi
Sunny--so glad you are home and feeling okay. I am still pre op and rather
nervous. I have sen all of the good and bad--just hope i can see the good when
it is my turn--lol. COngratulations---Cindy pre op 2-16-04
Thought we were done with this topic for now, but have more input from the
doctor today. She asked me about protein intake, so I told her my new find,
gelatin. She said certainly take it for collagen, nails, etc. It is good
for many things. But she said as a protein source, it's not good, that it
isn't high-quality protein. She suggested continuing if I liked, but not
count it as the day's protein count. So guess I'm back to protein bar, or
whatever.
Mandy, do you have research on this? I seem to remember you saying
something about German athletes taking this.
Now, we're back to conflicting ideas about foods, protein, etc. So I am
definitely going to continue taking it. But I am not going to rely on it as
a part of my protein intake for now.
Joan
LAP RNY 11/18/03
Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA
282pre-op/275surg/236/140
Saw the doctor again this a.m. She said all my blood tests were great.
Blood sugar, insulin, and B-12, folate, cholesterol, triglycerides, the
works are all very good. She said to keep taking the vitamins I'm taking.
My blood pressure was 94/64, and she told me to quit the medication.
Yippee!!! I'm going to can my pcp of 10+ years, as his advice was to cut
down for 1 week, then back up to see if I get dizzy. What???? I thought
they took your blood pressure to decide the medication, not by the patient
getting dizzy or not!
All in all, though I'm really stoked about the lab work all being good, and
finally down to one RX, when I was taking 13 only 2 months ago! Freedom!
Joan
LAP RNY 11/18/03
Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA
282pre-op/275surg/236/140
its a lil diff but its me yeah when u look at it it will shock u as
now i have piercings but hey im a teen this pic was took a couple
days ago my hair was out of bed style my fave lol this is the 110 lb
minus mark
sarah
its in the pic section under sarah
love to all
I waned to say your information on looking for and surgeon was excellent I
think this is # 1
for success. I considered the Alvarado Center in SD they have and excellent
record however Fresno also had a great track record. Do your homework the
choice can make the differnce.
Robin O - Calif
211-130-???
Dec 5 2002 - Dr Higa - Fresno
Tracy you are doing great 23 #'s in 5 weeks when have yo ever done that ?
This is a wonderful blessing but take it slow it will happen. You WILL be
at 40 #'s
by your birthday no need to worry ! Relax and listen to your body !
Robin O - Calif
211-130-???
Dec 5 2002
Dr Higa - Fresno
Can someone email me the diet plan after gastric bypass surgery so I
can get a better picture of what everyone is talking about. Going to
the doctor today!! Post later what he says!
email is abrooks1784@...
Andrea
Candi,
I understand your concern. My husband did not want me to havfe my
surgery either, but I kept telling him this was not for him, it was
for me and over time, he became a little more at ease with it. I
also COMPLETELY understand your fear of the surgery itself. Trust
your Dr. and the staff. They have performed hundresd of these and
know what to watch for and how to keep you safe. Yes, there are
hundresd of horror stories out there, but there are THOUSANDS of
good stories, too. I am a full believer that things happen because
they are supposed to and God saw fit to make you dream come true
through this surgery. He also knows you ahve those little boys that
need their momma and He will keep you safe to bring you home to your
boys. Don't let fearcome in and take the excitement away from
having your dream come true. Pray, be positive and know that I
willbe thinking of you! Good luck!
Tami
Andrea,
I have found that the diet after seems to vary from surgeon to
surgeon. I can tell you what mine was... I was on clear liquids from
post surgery through 2 weeks later. Then went to full liquids for a
week, then baby food (each transition for 1 week) the soft foods and
gradually phased in regular foods. My limits on the regular foods
were: 2 grms of sugar and 5 grms of fat per "meal", I had a goal of
65 grms of protein each day. The protein drinks help reach that
goal, especially in the beginning. My sugar, fat and protein limits
have not changed and I am 1 year post op. I went for 287 and am now
at 140 and a size 8!!! I wish you the best. Hopw thishelps!!
Tami
I would like to know, too!! I want to chat!!!!!!!
Tami :)
Yup!!!! 24 hours to go..and scared to death...My bag is packed and I
am ready to go phyicaly but mentaly I am a mess. Is crying part of
this or am I being a baby. I have a copy of all the great
insperations you all have sent me and they are in a notebook I will be
bringing with me tomorrow. I have made this note book for my husband.
He will have great insperations to read while I am in surgery. I will
be on all day to watch you all converce. Thank you all for being my
cyber friend..karOn
Karon,
I'm sorry, the not knowing when tomorrow must be horrible. I will be
waiting with you. I think you are 2 hours ahead of me aren't you? So
Noon and Three my time. How are holding up? Constance
Karon,
Tomorrow is our big day. I have exactly 24 hours and 35 minutes until mine
starts. I've been a little weepy too. I think it's completely normal. I'm not
packed yet. My kids aren't packed yet. I will have plenty to keep me busy as I
wait for my time to come. I think right now my big question is what to wear to
the hospital. Was told to get something extra big for the trip home because of
swelling. And the gas they will use to fill my abdomen won't be completely out
of my system. Will be looking thru cd's to take as well. And still lots of busy
work to do around here. I'm right there with you. And will look forward to
hearing from you when you come home. You never did say, what time is your
surgery? Email me, Constance
karon7744 <karOn7744@...
Yup!!!! 24 hours to go..and scared to death...My bag is packed and I
am ready to go phyicaly but mentaly I am a mess. Is crying part of
this or am I being a baby. I have a copy of all the great
insperations you all have sent me and they are in a notebook I will be
bringing with me tomorrow. I have made this note book for my husband.
He will have great insperations to read while I am in surgery. I will
be on all day to watch you all converce. Thank you all for being my
cyber friend..karOn
Sarah, as you mentioned the piercings, I looked for them, and couldn't see
them at all. Shocked? No, my daughter is 24 with a baby, and has a
piercing below her bottom lip. In her teens she pierced her nose twice and
I made her take it out, but told her that when she moved out on her own she
could make those decisions, and she did. No biggie. As teens we all seem
to find something new to frustrate our parents with. Very cute pictures! I
love to put faces with their posts.
Joan
LAP RNY 11/18/03
Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA
282pre-op/275surg/236/140
Marla, does the doctor that did the psyc eval know all the past therapy
you've had addressing this? I too was told to lose 28# prior to surgery.
It sounded like going to the moon! I knew that no way would I be able to do
that....if so, then why did I need the surgery? Well, after 11 months I
lost 7#, but it didn't stop the surgery. The reason they recommend 10% is
to make the surgery easier and safer....more room to move around inside.
Once I understood this, I had more motivation to lose some.
I totally relate to your childhood and how it has affected you. Your post
is exactly what I would have written about myself. I had 11 years of
therapy, that actually began as a weight loss tool. Learned a lot about
myself, and changed a lot of coping skills, but certainly didn't affect my
weight. That's where my question comes in.....does this doctor know the
therapy you've already had? If so, I don't understand his opinion that you
need therapy. My psyc eval was done by a psychiatrist that I've been seeing
for almost 10 years (thankfully I'm over the hard part of therapy, and now
only see him every 4 months), and when I told him, he thought it was a great
idea, and supported me totally. He knows what I've done to try to lose
weight...and keep it off. The weight clinic wanted to send me to their
doctor, but I told them I already had one that knew me and could do it. It
didn't need to be a specific doctor. This eval is what the insurance
company wants. Do some research about your specific situation and find out
if you can use "your" doctor if you still have access to him/her. Or
educate the current doctor as to past therapy. Good luck!
Joan
LAP RNY 11/18/03
Dr. Higa, Fresno, CA
282pre-op/275surg/236/140
Well that is not my reason for writing. My problem,...the doctor
that did my psy eval, says I need therapy to deal with my reason for
over eating. And he says I need to loose 10% of my body weight
before surgery. My weight now is 261, so 10% would be 26 lbs. Have
you folks been told the same? I really am new at this, so please
give me feed back. A little background. As a child, I was a victim
of sexual abuse. He thinks this is my reason for over eating. Yes,
it has some to do with the problem. I have been through years of
therapy and I still have an eating disorder. When he told me they
would not approve the surgery until I went through therapy and lost
26 lbs, first I cried then I ate and gained 10 lbs in 2 weeks! Any
information would be greatly appreciated. As a result of the abuse,
I also have PTSD. I am no longer a victim, but a survivor, so I know
I can survivor this also.
Marla Sloan
Pre-op
Dr. Murr TGH
261/135
You will be just fine !! And wil be so much better off for you and your boys
!!
You will be in my prayers.
Robin O - Calif
211-130-???
Dec 5 2002 Dr Higa - Fresno
I think there are alot of people that do think that surgery is the easy
way out and many of these people are obese. As I saw on Oprah's show,
the woman that filmed her diary was in turmoil. I really don't think she
had a clue as to what she would have to change, learn, give up, etc. I
don't mean to sound calas but it's a reality of this whole process to be
able to take these challenges we have faced each day with eating issues
and stress then more eating, satisfaction, etc. and turn them around for
the process to succeed.
So many people think that if they have surgery it's going to solve all
their problems and guess what, there's a bunch that end up attempting to
end their lives even though they have become that 'thin' person. What
happens is they don't realize it's NOT brain surgery. All the mental
baggage we've held on to over the many many years in being fat and
living fat from childhood through adulthood, all the fears, name
calling, being ignored, and all that is something that doesn't go away.
We need to learn to deal with it. This is why so many people remain on
anti-depression drugs or in therapy as it does help them deal with the
baggage. Surgery is only a physical fix that requires our mentality to
navigate us through life.
Some things Dr. Phil says makes since and I do hope he gets through to
those folks who think it is a quick and easy way out. Those are the
people that shouldn't have surgery. You've got to understand how your
body works, how it will react and how to deal with the changes and live
with it all.
I have to thank my family and friends for being supportive in my diet
practices over the years. I truely believe that if I had not taken the
last 2 years before surgery and practiced and lived on Atkins, Somersize
and generally low carb high protien maintenence, I would be a totally
different statistic. Following these programs helped me to understand
the physical balances of insulin, sugar, carbos, protien and all general
nutrition. So, by the time I did have surgery, I was ready to take it
on, and just continue the programs I had learned. I don't crave sugar,
got over that 2 years ago. I don't desire rice and breads... got over
that too. The biggest problem I do have is the portion size which the
surgery really changed and I've adapted to that easily.
As they say, it's not for everyone, but it was a good choice for
me........
Susan
ORNY 4/28/03
283/186/130
Susan, I agree with you. I spent so much time and energy trying to change my
bad habits into good ones prior to even considering surgery, that the transition
was a challenge but easily overcome. Just one little talk with myself to remind
me of my decision and goals. Not to say that this is easy, cuz, it is not.
What I can say though is by following every rule and being compliant I have not
had a problem. Not even dumping. I am getting all of my fluids, protein and
vitamins. I had surgery 12-23-03 and feel that I am doing spectacular. I will
return to work tomorrow and I hope that I can continue getting my nutrition.
Till later.
Stef
Hi all,
Well, I'm back online, probably for the only time this
week. Thought I'd share my surgery story. If you're
looking for the short and sweet version, I'm fine and have
a little pain. I go back to work on Monday, 1/19.
Here's the long version of my gastic bypass surgery and
gall bladder removal. This is a diary entry so sorry for
the length, I just copied and pasted and made a few changes
so it would make sense to you. My surgery was on 1/8.
I went in Thursday morning at 6am. I started crying before
we left, I was so scared. I cried off and on on the way
and when we got there and I sat down at the admissions
desk, I cried a little again. I haven't had surgery since
I was 12 so this was all very foreign to me. The night
before, I had given Sarah a written summary of my debt and
access to accounts and life insurance, God forbid something
go wrong. This kept going through my mind as the reality
of the risks set in.
After admitting, we went to the pre-op area. I was given a
private room that had a gurney and robe and bathroom
facilities. The minute the nurse told me to undress and
put on the robe and shut the door, I started freaking out.
I started walking around in circles and crying. Sarah
calmed me down and helped me change. She's a physical
therapist in a hospital so this was a comfortable
environment for her. She was able to take charge and be my
guide, which is what she's good at and the role she
prefers.
I had my period so I was given disposable panties to put on
under the gown. Sarah and I laughed over how ridiculous
they looked. Then I just sat on the gurney and waited for
someone else to come in. Another nurse came in and started
getting basic info from me. She took my blood pressure,
surprise, it's a little high. I wasn't shocked since I was
so anxious. Then I told her that I had my period so she
could note it. She asked if I was wearing my underwear, I
said, "no, I'm wearing your underwear." I said it
nervously and without thinking and afterword, the humor hit
me. We all started laughing and that calmed me down a
little.
Then I had to lay down and she put a couple warm blankets
over me. Another attendent, the surgical room nurse
appararently, stuck her head in the door and said they'd be
taking me in 45 minutes. That sped things up a bit as I
guess they usually wait a little longer. So the nurse went
into fast-forward. She started by giving me a heprin shot,
it's a blood thinner that will prevent blood clots. Then
she tried to put in an IV. I told her I have bad veins to
prepare her. Sure enough, it took 3 nurses and 5 tries
before they finally called in the anethesiologist to try
the bigger veins, which I guess nurses aren't allowed to
puncture. I was still nervous so when he walked in, I was
crying. He said women don't usually cry until after they
meet him, and that made me chuckle. We joked around a bit
while he tried to find a good vein for the IV. He thought
he had it once but it didn't work. So he went over to my
left side and said he'd put it in at my elbow and then move
to a better spot after I'm under in surgery to a more
comfortable spot. He got down on one knee next to the
gurney to put in the needle and made a joke about
proposing. Every time I'd get poked, Sarah would go to the
foot of the gurney and rub my feet. I'm afraid of needles
and blood so I was glad she was distracting me. In the end
(on the seventh attempt to find a good vein), the left
elbow worked. I was plugged in. The nurse immediately
gave me loopy medicine to help me relax and they wheeled me
away.
I thought I'd get a moment to say goodbye to Sarah but
there wasn't time, so I yelled "I love you" over my
shoulder as I went down the hall. Then the ride got real
interesting as the loopy medicine took effect. Kind of
like being in a fun house with wacky mirrors. The ceiling
lights and doors took different shapes.
Before long, I was in the surgery room and my arms were out
at my sides and I was strapped down. The anesthesiologist
made a joke that I thought was just hilarious and then
another nurse put in the final medication to make me fall
asleep. I didn't know what to focus on in the room since
there was so much going on around me. But the pressure
socks were on my feet so I just imagined it was Sarah
rubbing my feet again and that calmed me down. The nurse
started injecting the stuff into my IV. I just remember
saying "Now?" and I think I said it again and that was it.
It wasn't the calm kind of process I've seen on surgery
shows where the patient counts down from 10. They were
behind schedule so bing, bang, boom, I was out.
Next thing I remember was being real dizzy. I knew someone
was trying to wake me up and I kept saying, "No! Dizzy!"
So they laid me flat and then it was calm for a while. I
opened my eyes again and saw that I was in a big room full
of gurneys and people trying to wake up. It was a little
hectic. A nurse came over to check my IV and I asked her
if I had bigger boobs. She just gave me a wierd look and
said, "no, are you supposed to?" I said no, I just wanted
to make sure the doctor did the right surgery. I think I
was trying to be funny, but a drugged up woman on a gurney
talking about a boob job kind of misses something in the
delivery. LOL
Then they wheeled me to my private room and Sarah came in
about 15 minutes later. I was so happy to see her. I
asked her if everything was alright. She said yes, but my
gall bladder was enlarged so it took them an hour to get it
out. I guess I was in surgery longer than I was supposed
to be because of that so she was getting worried in the
waiting room. Now she was okay though and seeing her calm
made me calm. I think I just fell asleep then.
I was pretty numb at first and was able to move around kind
of easily except for the IVs. The needle was still in my
left elbow as a backup, but the anesthesiologist had found
a better site on my right arm just above my wrist so that's
where the fluid was going.
I was given a tiny medicine cup with an ounce of water and
told I could have an ounce every hour and to sip slowly. I
know it doesn't sound like much but I just wasn't
interested in drinking or eating so I didn't even get that
much down.
Sarah called her family and my family called. A friend
came to visit and I was in and out. We watched Friends and
The Apprentice. Gotta say, the only way to look at Trump
is on medication. It made the show much more interesting.
After a few hours, I got up and started walking. I didn't
get far as I got real dizzy so they sat me down in the
chair and I tried again about an hour later. I walked
twice Thursday and twice Friday morning. I had to sleep
practically sitting up in order to be comfortable. I was
given a pump to self-administer pain relief and I could hit
it once every half hour. Let me tell you, I was timing
that puppy. When I was asleep, Sarah told me she was
hitting it. All in all, I didn't feel a damn thing. :-)
Friday morning I was given four ounces of diluted cranberry
juice and told I could have that much every hour for two
hours and then water. The doctor checked on me and said I
could go home. I weighed before I left since my scale at
home is broken so I wanted to know my starting weight.
I was on two medications, pepcid and something else for the
pain. They have icky side effects which I'm sure you can
imagine but I won't spell out. I stopped the pepcid on
Saturday as it's just supposed to help with the painful gas
(in the chest) and I haven't really had a problem so don't
have a real need to take it. Around Sunday, I started
having a severe pain under my ribs on my right side. It
feels like I've bruised my ribs. It's horrible in the
morning and if I'm stationary very long. But if I move
around and put ice on it, it's bearable with the pain med.
Still, I'm going to call the doc this morning and ask about
it as it hurts to twist or move my right arm much. Perhaps
he knows why it hurts, maybe that's where my gall bladder
was. And I'm hoping he can give me a stronger pain med
that doesn't have those icky side effects.
I have six incisions in my torso, sealed with steri-strips.
They's supposed to come off some time this week on their
own, and that will mean the incision is closed and
reasonably healed. I still have to be careful in the
shower as I can't rub the area. But otherwise, I can
shower and not worry about them. It looks like scotch tape
on my tummy. Each incision has a bruise around it, plus I
have three more bruises in my abdomen from the heprin shots
and my arms are spotted from the IV attempts. I look very
sexy, let me tell you!
I'm like Hugh Heffner, walking around the house in my pj's
all day. I'm supposed to walk 20 minutes a day and either
Sarah and I go for a walk around the block or I just walk
around the house. Yesterday I just walked in a circle
around the chair in our living room for 15 minutes and then
walked up and down a small staircase for 5. I do feel
better after, but I'm just exhausted. And it makes my ribs
hurt more to move so much at once. It also hurts to take
deep breaths so I'm just treating myself gently.
Sarah has been incredible. Anything I need, she jumps up
to get it for me. I'm doing more and more on my own,
forcing myself to be active. But at the slightest whince,
she'll get up and pick up my glasses for me or run
downstairs and make up an ice pack for my ribs. I slept in
the guest room for the first few nights, surrounded by
pillows sitting up. I was only able to sleep for 3 hours
at a time. But last night I slept in our bed again for the
first time and I was actually able to sleep all through the
night! It hurts like you wouldn't believe getting up from
that position (flat on my back) but that only lasts a
minute or two and then I'm upright and reasonably okay.
I feel good this morning, I'm drinking my first of two
protein shakes. Then I have to drink two containers (16 oz
each) of water and