Gastric Bypass Weblog

hey this is bratbabys_mama's daughter. thought i would let ya know
how shes doing. she went for her surgery on the 21st.. the surgery
went well. after surgery though her heart rate became irregular so
they put her in the icu over night and gave her magnesium. today she
is fine. the heart rate is back to normal but she is still in icu
till they can get her her room....... ill keep ya posted.

Help! I am sick, sick, sick with a horrible cold. I'm staring at a
bottle of Nyquil like it's a hot fudge sunday. Is it OK to take
this? I'm worried about the alcohol and sugar.
So, which one is safer, the sunday or the Nyquil?
Thanks!!
Alicia
11/18/03
284/249 preop/216/?

I am wondering about CASEC powdered protein. Has anyone ever tried
it? And do we actually benefit from it? It is a milk protein.
Thanks in advance.
Lindy G
Dr.Freeman,Anniston,AL
Lap RNY 3/20/03
230/120/105

Neither.

HELLO MINDI,
MY NAME IS MIMI, BY ANY CHANCE DO YOU KNOW IF DR.DIAZ IS PERFORMING SURGERY AT
CELEBRATION. ALSO WHO ARE YOU COVERED WITH?
ehmjc1014@... wrote:Dr. Diaz is wonderful....It may be worth traveling to ft
lauderdale for the
surgery and keeping your post op visits in celebration. I actually used Dr.
Marema as my surgeon, but I see dr. Diaz at my post op visits
Mindi
277/173.5/125??
Size 26/28--
Lap RNY 6/26/03

hi everyone.
well since my surgery 12/30/03 I have lost 30 pounds. I love it....I am still on
my HMR
shakes. They are really getting boring but i have to live with them for 2 more
weeks...I just want to eat anything other than these shakes... I hope that is
normal..lol
because I still want food bad.. WILL POWER NORA..is what i keep saying..it
works. I am
not craving really anything just want anything like cheese or meat...I am taking
my
Vitamins everyday..so i am doing good. I work out everyday..I walk in the
morning
and lift weighs at night for 30 mins.. I also do 100 situps everyday too. I feel
so good
after i work out. I can't wait for my hubby to come home from Baghdad and see
me..I
was 291 at the surgery now 260...I wanted to be at 250 by the time he comes home
I
will so pass that..he comes home in 4-6 weeks..He was gone a long time.... My
girls
keep me really busy. so that is good..I feel I can keep up better with
them..Vitmans
work great for that too..I will try to post a picture tonight...I am going on
Depo next
week so I don't get preggo when hubby comes home..lol. I have 2 beautiful girls
lauren is 6 1/2 and Kaelynn is 3 1/2. We were trying like crazy to get pregnant
before
he left but it wasn't happening..Then he left and I had my surgery.. And now I
am
REALLY looking at my life with my girls and I don't want another baby.. Both
girls
want a brother bad, But I am working so hard to get thin and in 12-18 months My
insurance will pay for my Full body lift.. ANd i don't want to get fat again
while
pregnant.. I am so happy with my girls.. Lauren will be almost 9 and Kaelynn
almost
6..And to have another.. I know I am only 27 but I have feeling happy. I am not
getting fixed or anything I just am thinking sane.. Haven't told this to
Alan..lol he is
really easy guy.. He retires from the military in 3 yrs.. I am sorry don't have
really
anybody to chat with, I have so much talking and thinking to myself.. Has anyone
felt
this way after surgery about not having any more kids? Just wondering... I am
doing
great and love reading everyone's posts they help me alot... Someone asked me
what
Is something you have alwayed wanted to do after you are skinny and couldn't do
overweight.. I would love to Sing..I have been told by everyone you should pruse
your
singing. I was to heavy to make anyone hear me... Britney Spears has nothing on
me...
So that is my dream...My girls are in love with Hilary Duff. And my older
daughter
says mom you sound like her.. Maybe one day....
What is everyones dream, now that your losing weight?
ok better stop talking i could go on..lol.
Nora
GB Lap
12/30/03
291/260/150
San Diego
Dr. Owens

Hi my name is Denise I had open gastric bypass surgery 1/17/01 I have lost
179 pounds and I am at goal weight. I have been on Depo since 1995 I did
not get a period for years then it would come on about a week before the
shot was due. I have been bleeding about 18 months now with about a
three-week break in all this is not fun. I was supposed to have surgery
last Feb a D&C and Endometrial Ablation. I put the surgery off just in case
if I was bleeding from my new way of eating and all of the weight I have
lost. Well, the bleeding is still here after 18 months so next Wednesday I
will be having these two things done. Therefore, women you are not alone
out there.
For the people that have stalls, I had them too one lasted up to nine months
then I would drop ten pounds. Now there was a time that I did not eat for a
few months and I was just doing protein drinks this could have caused the
stalls since I really was not getting in enough food for the day. I am
happy to say that I am at goal and have maintained goal for about a year.
Denise S.

Well Lenora I can relate to not wanting to have anymore kids. Although I
was done long before I had surgery. I have two and I love them dearly but
they drive me crazy sometimes (well most of the time). Even though they are
older now (20 and 17). I swear I thought it would be easier when they are
older but it is not. Just alot more expensive!!
OK so for my dream......this may kind of shock some people. But when I was
a kid if I could have afforded it and had I had a family who would have
supported me doing this I would have loved to go to Law School. I always
wanted to be a Lawyer. I am currently debating going for it. Now I will
turn 40 soon. So I will be really old by the time I finish :o)
I always thought I would have done it by now. But I got married young and
then had a child. Ok I still could have gone. But my former spouse was a
very unreliable jerk. So I had to work. Then the second child came along.
He has a rare form of autism and required HUGE amounts of my time and
energy. Then I got divorced and had to raise them both by myself and work
and everything that goes with being Mommy and Daddy. I felt they didn't get
enough of me already and Dad was long gone. So I didn't want to short
change them further. So again I put it off. Then when they were older I
thought ok soon I can do it. But with puberty came big problems with my son
and I actually had to stop even working to take care of him. Not that he
can't do things for himself. He can. But autism can create some major
behavior issues and when the school is calling you to come and pick him up
from school three or four days a week employers tend to frown on you. So
again it had to be put off.
Don't get me wrong I am not complaining. I would not trade my life for
anything. I adore my husband and my kids.
But now I think it may actually be my turn. Daughter is in college. Son is
doing well and actually has been able to have a part time job for almost 2
years. Doing good in school , no behavior issues. Plus he is learning to
drive and soon won't even need me for taxi service. Hubby is just about to
graduate with his Master's.
Law School is the dream. I have considered doing something in the field.
Maybe as a paralegal. School for that is two years and then you go to work.
But it's not my dream you know? I worry that I will feel cheated if I do
that. On the neg my hubby is going straight from his Master's into a
doctorate program and my daughter is going from BA to Master's to Doctorate.
Now we are a military family so you can imagine the debt we are incurring
with all of the college we have going on. That doesn't include my son who
will (god willing) also be going in another 18 months. I guess the cost is
right now the biggest thing holding me back.
Candi

dr phillip alston in memphis did my surgery...he was great no complications...
beth wright <wright232003@...
surgery
Candi Read <candiread@...
accomplishment!!!
Candi

Hi,
I am trying to get my insurance to cover surgery. I have been denied
many times yet I am over 100 lbs overweight. Does anyone have a
suggestion?
Should I appeal? How many people have been denied then won the appeal?

Quick question for my fellow Losers!...
I'm 4 months out from surgery & was asking my surgeon at my check up
the other day if it's time to check my iron/calcium, etc levels
because I'm curious & he responded he doesn't usually order a panel
until 1 year out...what do ya'all think about this? No need for
blood testing so soon?
Funny you guys are chatting about matching driver's license weights
cuz it dawned on me the other day that lie just may not be a lie
after a few more months!
Angie
Open RNY
9/10/3
300/224/150

Julie,
Congratulations! It's wonderful to hear of your success. My surgery is in a
week and I can only dream of what you are feeling now. I know your body and
joints must feel so much better after losing 40 pounds. And this is only the
beginning! Keep us posted on your progress.
Patti T.
SMDC, Duluth, MN
Dr. Jon Krook
Pre-op Lap RNY
2/3/2004
308/140

My surgeon does his at 6 month's post op. I also discovered at that time
that I was low in iron and beta carotine. All other stuff was good.
Have your PCP do labs if you want :)
Take care,
Susan

My husband and I have our first app. in Feb not sure what to expect

hehe! thanx susan for the easy quiche recipe. i'll be sure to throw in some
low glycemic index vegs.
lori h.
20 grateful months out

Gastric bypass is new to my husband and I we have our first app. in
Feb all info welcomed

I wouldn't wait a whole year to get your first labs done. If there is a
problem, you'll want to know early so you can correct it. I've read that B12
deficiencies can cause permanent nerve damage. I don't know how long it takes,
but why chance it.
Personally, I had my first labs at 4 months. My surgeon said he will order my
next labs at my 1 year, but as I try to find the best vitamin/supplement regimen
for me, I'm sure I will follow-up before then. If my surgeon won't order it,
I'll go to my PCP.
Gina in CA
LAP RNY 07-17-03
324/228.75/130?

Just wondering if anyone has noticed constipation post-op? I never had an issue
before, but now......Thanks for the advice.

hi crystal, great job on the 62 lbs! (bumping up your ? to see if anyone has
thyroid input).
lori h.

Amanda,
Being 2 months out it sounds like you are having some struggles. From
reading other posts, everyone's experiences seem to be so varying. I hear many
saying that they feel better at the 4 month point. Hopefully, that will happen
to
you. My surgery is in a week, so it is good for me to hear everyone's
experiences so I go into this with my eyes wide open. Keep us posted on how you
are
doing.
Patti T.
SMDC, Duluth, MN
Dr. Jon Krook
Pre-op Lap RNY
2/3/2004
308/140

Marla
Your time will come believe me. Don't get depressed about it. Just hang in
there. I was upset when I had to weight two months for mine. God told me it
wasn't time yet. You know it is well worth the weight. I can't wait until summer
with my new life.
Joyce
11/12/03
290/233/150??
Marla <msloan3@...
Joan, thanks for the helpful words. I brought a letter from my Psy
doctor to the eval. He had wrote that I understand what the surgery
is and the changes I will go through. He is not the doctor I was in
therapy with, but my meds doctor. I have been on meds for
depression and panic disorder since 1979. I go in every 6 months
for my scrips. I informed the doctor that did the psy eval about
the treatment and the number of years, 12, that I was in therapy.
He seem to think I need a refresher course. The sad part, he is part
of my surgeons eval team and should have knowledge on eating
disorders and PTSD. Oh well, I have found a psy that specializes in
sexual abuse and eating disorders. She and I have talked on phone
and I will be seeing her 2.4.04. She is very much aware of my
problem area. Took me sometime to find a doctor I felt at ease with.
As for the loosing 10%, if it happens it happens, if not, what else
is new!! Thanks again.
Good luck to all of you guys having surgery this week. Wish I was
going also, oh well I will be soon! I just have to do the foot work
and God will do the rest!
Marla
pre-op
261/135
Dr. Murr TGH
Tampa, FL

Yes, my surgeon reccommended Benefiber, you can add it to any liquid and it has
no flavor.
Ruth
Open RNY
10/29/02
386/175/165
MA
sherri edling <yorkiegal2003@...
Just wondering if anyone has noticed constipation post-op? I never had an issue
before, but now......Thanks for the advice.

Well so far I have been doing excellent no problems with any foods until today,I
had a scrambled egg...Never again..it really put a hurting on me...
Ill stick to poached eggs...
Allan
Lap Rny
12-15-03
312 / 265 / ?
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.564 / Virus Database: 356 - Release Date: 1/21/2004

The only time constipation has been a prob. for me is when I don't
get enough water. I understand that many other people have issues
with it though. My list of post op recommedation is to take 30cc of
milk of mag. or senakot pills. You might want to see what your dr.
recommends. Jill H.

He has lost 170lbs and is about 50lbs from goal.

I just wanted to know how many carbs we should get in a day.I am 1
month out and I don't eat many carbs and my sugars have dropped
cosiderably,Not to low 89-103 and I feel great.Thank you all for the
great post it is so inspirational.
Wasia Nahshal
LAP RNY
Dr,Waldrep
12-17-03
304/279/???

hang in there jayne. the roller coaster of emotions is natural.
lori h.

Best wishes to you.....will keep you in my prayers!
Soon you'll be a big time loser! :-)
Jayne
Lap RNY w/ choly
3/12/04

I wanted to know if anyone has ever took meridia and been
successful, even if it was only 20 or 30 pds. Did it stay off and so
n so....
I am on a 1400 a day cal diet, I only hit 1195 yesterday (told the
doctor I didnt eat that much but he told me to make myself) I
thought that was good. And all before 5 pm so I wouldn't eat late.
My husband got home at 7 pm and made me eat 200 more cals. He said I
needed to hit 1400 everyday...........
Should I????
Andrea

Good luck Hope--I am a few weeks behind you and trying not to get too stressed
either right now. We will be thinking about you---CIndy pre -op 2/16

Ok. i ordered some protein samples from bariatriceating.com....Some of what I
ordered they dont carry anymore so she replaced them with something else and
send a couple extra samples to make up for the problems...anyway...here is
what i have....if anyone has any suggestions on how to make these better without
adding the extra calories....carbs...etc...please let me know....THANKS
Whey Fruity Lemonade
Whey Fruity Tropical Punch
Nectar Apple Ecstasy
Nectar Strawberry Kiwi
She didnt have the two nectars i ordered so she sent these 2 in place and the
two Whey Fruity for the mishap....Any recipes or ideas?? THANKS

Andrea, I was on Meridia for a few months.....it did not really help me, because
my diet was not high in fats.....why are you on a 1400 cal/day diet? Are you
pre-op?...I would say to do as you doc says....sherri

well he didnt say watch my fat, he said to focus on my calories,
most low cal is low fat. I have noticed in what I buy anyways. I
hate it didnt work for you. and NO i am not pre op, he is trying to
avoid surgery now. Cause I don't look 241.. If this doesnt work I
maybe looking at a gastric bypass again.
Andrea

I have not had a lot of trouble with carbs. My goal is to eat
protein first then vegies and fuits and I am filled by those so
carbs are not really an issue for me. I would be interested to hear
what your nutrionist says about that cos mine never made it a big
deal.. keep me posted

in addition to what others mentioned, try asbs.org & your local
clerk of courts website.
lori h.

You've done such a great job with your weight loss!!! Have you reached your
goal, or is there more you want to do? I know exactly what your talking about
with your mental health. That's the other part of the equation. Your doing
great with your physical health now you need to work on the other part. I
think going to a therapist is a great idea. I'm actually kicking around the
idea
too. I too struggle with ways of dealing with the stress of my job, other
than eating (which is what I used to do).
Please keep us posted, and let us know how it goes.
By the way, what's your name?
Take Care,
Julie
Open RYN 4-7-03
351/224/???

Why do you want the DS instead of the RNY. Many
people have had much success with the RNY.
--- "Riain Y. Barton" <ri_802@...

I am 1 year post op and my stomach looke like a funeral home
curtain!!!!! Too much extra skin!!! And things are hanging... well
let's just say it isn't pretty!! Has anyone done the reconstructive
surgery thing yet or are you planning on it?

Too much drama for me.
There was some great advice here. It is a shame really. We as fat people
(heavy, large whatever you are comfortable with) have enough problems
with the real world. This has been a great place for me, a safe place.
Too much fussing.
I don't want to read something, I delete it. That is all you have to do.
Not get ugly with it. Here lately I have deleted more than I feel like I
should.
peace and goodbye,
steph
God Bless,
Stephanie Blair
http://www.angelfire.com/ky2/hiya/letter/kj/poem.html

Marla, Before surgery I had very bad knee problems. I couldn't get out of the
chair. Get into our swimming pool. It hurt so bad. After surgery I didn't have
any pain for the first week. Than when I came home it hit me hard. My one knee
hurt so bad after two days of being home. I couldn't walk. I force myself to
walk. The family doctor said I had water on the knee. But it would go away with
the weight lost. I lost 23 lbs and it didn't go away. I didn't have water on the
knee. I had a tear in there. I had surgery on my knee January 12 that is two
months to the day of my WLS surgery. I lost alot of weight and I was in pain the
day of the surgery. Right now I just have the pain of the bakers sis. Which will
go away with time. I feel good and I am walking again. Like I said I have the
pain but it isn't the peircing pain like I had. I am going to be on my feet this
summer with out any problems.
Joyce
11/12/03
290/233/150??
Marla <msloan3@...
I have not been posting much, but read all posts. I need all the
information anyone has to give. Each of use have different needs or
wants. I'm pre-op and need to hear from post-op folks, how they are
doing, how they do it, be it the good or the bad. From pre-op, I
need to know how their progress from day to day is going, as I am in
the same boat. Info on foods, protein, vitamins, or any product
that may help is greatly appreciated. As a side bar, I also have
joint problems, can only walk short distances due to very bad
knees. So the Knox information was great! We all want to
be "normal" as being able to walk with ease, run and play with our
kids or grandkids or just a walk through the mall. So please, keep
all postings coming. If one disagrees, hit the delete key! Don't
know about all our members, but I need all the help I can get.
Thanks for listening (reading).
Marla
Dr. Murr TGH
Tampa
pre-op 261/135

Hi all!!
I am currently cleaning out my closet and dresser in anticipation of
my new size 22 clothes coming next week. I have a ton of things in
sizes 30/32 and 26/28 (more of the former, less of the latter) that
I'd like to give away to anyone who might need them. If any of you
are in need of something in these sizes or know someone who would
benefit from them, pass my name and email along or email me
privately and I'll let you know what I've got to see if it fits your
needs.
Hopefully I can help someone out. I've tried listing on Obesity Help
but those that have written me and expressed interest never got back
to me.....
Tanya T.

Pam,
Where are you at in Iowa? I live in Wisconsin, but I am only 5 miles from
Dubuque IA.
Take Care,
Julie
Open RYN 4-7-03
351/224/???

I have eaten red meat and have no prob with it. Keep it is small
amiounts though and watch the fat content. I posted earlier a way
to cook ground beef to eliminate a good deal of the fat, maybe that
will help. I try to keep red meat to just once a week or so. Buy
cuts that have little or no fat and cook in fat free broith to keep
tender.

According to the guidelines I had to follow, yes you are a
candidate. Your primary care Dr. can help you with the paper work.
Who are you going to go through to get the surgery? That makes a
difference too sometimes. They ins. dept of places like Bariatric
treatment centers can help you through the paperwork. they really
helped me. Good luck

Joyce glad to hear everything went fine with your knee surgery. Boy
nothing like 2 surgeries in 2 months. Take care.
Jill H.

Never tried it, but I'm thinking the alcohol in Nyquil could just
kick our butts now... 'course, that could be a good thing. I've
taken TheraFlu and its worked great.
Toi

Hi Roxanne! Welcome! My name is Theresa, from Seattle Washington. I am new at
this too.. and am in the beginning process of submitting to my insurance... I
am 250 lbs, and 5'3"... like you I am sure, I have been up and down the scale
too many times to count. Phen/Fen was my "miracle", I had lost 117 lbs on that
stuff.... and I never felt better... I had no problems with heart valve or
anything... *I always say that if I could find it on the "black market" I'd buy
it again and take it for life! Desperate - I know.
Good luck in the insurance process! In the meantime, I am on a high protein,
low carb eating plan (not diet), and am riding my bike, and am feeling better
everyday, I wish you the best! Take care,
Theresa, Seattle WA
Roxanne <MichiganFRS@...
Hi
My name is Roxanne and will be 39 yrs old Sunday. I am in Michigan. I
am 5'4 280 pds. I have Blue Choice and I am waiting right now for
Insurance approval. I called today and they said the notes said it
would be reviewed 1-20-04 and would take 4 days to update after that.
Hoping it will come soon as I am not good at not knowing. THanks

SURGERY IS CHANGED TO 7:30AM

Tanya, I went through my closet about 2 weeks ago and got rid of all
my size 26 clothes. It was so fun trying things on and saying to
big. I think my family must have thought I was crazy for all the
laughing I did. It is also nice to get rid of those clothes and not
worry about growing back into them. Yeah for us.
Jill H.

Ayanna,
Losing 37 pounds in less than a month in half is great!!! Just keep doing
what your doing, with the exercise. You'll see results. Did you talk to your
surgeon about your concerns? That might be an option to relieve some of your
worries. Keep us posted.
Take Care,
Julie
Open RYN 4-7-03
351/224/???

Tanya, wow thats very nice of you. I too want to give away my 22/24 and
26/28 clothes too. I cant wear them anymore and am now down to a 18/20. it
cost
so much to buy new clothes,and me being a single mom of two ,its hard to bye
myself new clothes, so i know what it feels like. Write back and let me know.
Amanda from Ks.
nov 18,2003
246/274/170?
wichita ks

Thank you all for your replies and to all who are going to post some
more. I am taking everything you all say into consideration and
writing fown all the helpful advice to help me talk to the doctor. I
am on tricare so I am sure I am going to have to go to who my
insurance covers.
Thanks Again,
Andrea

Dear Angie,
Have your pcp do the tests. A year is way too long to wait on some of
the issues (particularly your b-12 levels). If you become deficient in
b-12 and stay that way, you can cause permanent, irreversible
neurological disorders which include memory loss, numbness in the
extremities, etc. and you don't want to do that.
Bloods should be run every 3 months the first year out and then every 6
months there after. If you have a good relationship with your primary
care doc, I would say to let him do your follow-up. Here's the list of
what you need tested:
This list includes labs we have performed as gastric bypass patients
* comprehensive metabolic profile (sodium, potassium, chloride,
glucose,BUN, creatinine, calcium, total protein, albumin, total
bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase)
* pre-albumin
* lipid profile (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, chol/HDL
ratio)
* ALT (SPGT)
* GGT
* LDH
* phosphorous - inorganic
* uric acid
* hemogram with platelets
* B-12 & folate
* iron, TIBC, % sat
* vitamin A & D (25-hydroxy)
* vitamin B-1
* thyroid panel (T3U, T4, FTI, TSH)
* zinc
* magnesium
* ferritin
* serum intact PTH
DIAGNOSIS CODES: 579.3 post-surgical malabsorption
269.2 hypovitaminosis
244.9 hypothryoidism
Good luck. I hope your doctors do the right thing and that you have
great follow-up care. It is essential to your health.
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/212/165
BMI 60/31/24
-174
-100"
Angel to Bill, Debbie, Ilene, Roy, and Ro

fantastic ideas, ever thought of putting together a wls recipe book,
u could retire. (or a catering business comes to mind).
lori h.

thanx for the update, send your mom our best.
lori h.

fantastic job on the 179 lbs, denise!
but dayyyyummm, 18 months is an eternity, talk about frustration.
lori h.

erin, fight 'em fiercely! give 'em all the documentation from
specialists, prescription receipts, 'remind' them of the NIH
consensus... on asbs.org they also offer literature. check your
policy regarding the appeals process & go for it!
lori h.

angela,
what kind of insurance do you have?
Linda
10-21-03
332-270-150
LapRNY

If you are at the soft food stage...... and no sooner......
You might try eating some liver and onions. This was smooth for me and
was quite satisfying. I grill the onions first in a skillet in a tad of
olive oil, salt and pepper. Then when they are starting to get clear and
look gooie, I take them out and set it aside. Cook the liver in the same
onion pan to get some flavor, add salt and pepper, garlic and whatever
else you want. It cooks fast, but don't over cook. When it's about
done, add back the onions and stir together.
My kids even love it and it's great dipped in a smidgen of ketchup.
Susan

Yes Lynn I am from Wisconsin (central wisconsin to be exact) I have had the
open rny on Dec 3rd 2003 and doing good so far.....lost 60lbs so far and
still heading downward i think. Would love to talk to another wisconsinite
just look me up.,.
And as for knowing the feeling of losing the bladder thing. I have had
problems ever since I had the surgery and I also have numbness around my
(cookie for a nice word and up my buttocks) but I have had the feeling of
having to pee and then just nothing comes out and I also find myself if i
sneeze i wet myself so have to where a pad to keep my pants die talk about
imbarassing and just uncomfortable but they tell me it will come back its
from all the moving around they did inside and the pressure of my laying on
my back for 5 hours during surgery that the pressure pinched a nerve or did
something; what is the pits is i just feel like i have to go because i am
still on Lasix (water pill) and so it feels like i have to go all the time
and then nothing. Has anyone had the numbness thing or am i unique????
I have loved reading all the recipes and stuff about protien i know i just
dont get enough; i am averaging about 40g a day and i have been told that
isnt enough so i am working on doing more but its tough. But anyways thanks
for all the good chat and so happy to be part of a wonderful group.
Dee Dee
498/438 now
surgery date 12/03/03

Hello my name is Tricia. I am 34 years old and had my surgery on Oct
29, 2003. I am now 3 months post op and I am feeling hungry. I can
tolarate just about anything but I am worried that I might be
hurting myself. I do not eat large amount of food, I eat very small
amounts. The thing is. I am not sure what I am suppose to eat. After
I had my surgery (about 8 weeks) I was relocated to FL from NJ and I
have not been able to see a doctor yet. So I am not sure what I
should be doing. Also 3 weeks after my surgery I had a bleeding
ucler, my surgeon told me that 10% of patients get this. So not only
am I afraid that I might be doing the wrong thing when it comes to
eating,I am also afraid that I might get another ulcer that will
bleed.
I am drinking my protein. I am mixing it with 1% milk. I know that I
should have this every day but I just can't seem to make myself. Now
I have lost 80lbs so far but it seems that I have not lost anything
in about 2 weeks. What should I do.
Please help.
Thanks,
Tricia

Hi, Bridget -
This may be one of the things that you don't worry about what your surgeon says,
and do your own research.
<<Hello Andrea,
I am interested in hearing the recipes for protein shakes too. The
one thing my dr has said is that you don't want to become dependent
on them
I am "totally dependent" on protein shakes, as I am on eating food, breathing,
etc. My doc, who's done over 4000 surgeries in the last 16 years, mandates
them. 120 grams of protein from shakes per day for distal patients. 90/day for
proximals.
<< and to remember that liquid goes through you faster.
Maybe he doesn't understand how this surgery actually works? Yes, liquids go
thru the pouch faster, but nothing is absorbed in the pouch, anyway. liquids
*don't* go thru the bowel faster now, nor do they zoom thru us *before* surgery.
<<I would think if you add fruit or even the fiber from protein would
make it stay in your pouch longer?
Protein shakes provide satiety that has nothing to do with staying in pouch.
And I recommend *against* adding anything like fruit, milk, or fiber to shakes.
Fruit and milk are sugars that will hinder weight loss. Fiber absorbs liquid,
IMO will absorb protein, and the protein must then be digested. Part of the
reason for doing protein shakes is that they don't need to be digested.
<< I'm going to talk to my nutrionist about this at my next appt. I know I've
heard great
things about the premade Atkins shakes so I hope I get the green
light from my nutrionist to try those.
Thanks!
Bridget Northam
Please go to VitaLady.com. Read her website. Atkins shakes are pricy, and not
as bioavailable (don't they have soy?) Whey is the best kind, and VitaLady
carries only things that are good for us. She are us. (9 yuears post-op).
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

Thanks for all the advicel.. I got my samples in today of nectar and whey
fruity...well i tried the strawberry kiwi for lunch and the fruit punch whey
fruity for super...they were AWESOME!! (compared to what i have been drinking)
Tomorrow morning for breakfast I am gonna try mixing the chocolate stuff with
water instead of milk. I started tonight back excerising the way i was before
the plateau and all HECK broke loose at my house. I did the treadmill for 15
minutes, Bike for 15 minutes then walked the driveway 1 mile! Not sure how long
that took.I think about 10 minutes....so I am back up to 40 continueous minutes
and i REFUSE to slack off. Its hard because I live 45 minutes from the
nearest gym...I can at least go to my moms and get the bike and treadmill but I
know
I will soon need more. We are actually thinking of moving so that I can be
closer to the gym and it would also benefit my husband because it would be
closer to his work....soooo we will see...I decided to weigh at moms which is
where
i usually weigh and made a promise to my husband that I would not weigh but
once a week. I weighed before I did my exercises and my hubby laughed and said
I should have waited...so just for fun we weighed again and low and behold i
had lost a pound..LOL SOOOO I am now at 300....down from 365...My first mini
goal is to be below 300 so hopefully I will hit that by the weekend....not that
i will know because i wont weigh again till thursday...LOL
Thanks for all the help and advice. You guys and gals keep me sane!!!
Oh...by the way...any of you have trouble with your spouses drinking your
protein drinks?? my husband LOVES the chocolate stuff I have now...says it
tastes
like choco milk...He is fixing some now! but then fusses and complains about
how much I have to spend on
protein...HELLOOOO lol
Crystal
11/18/03
365/300/anything below 300 is my first mini goal!!

Hey all !!! It's me Jessica, I don't know if you remember but, when I first
joined this group, I joined with a friend on mine named Shannon who lived
across the state line in IN. (as you all know, I live in SOuthern MI) Anyway,
she had left the support group because her husband lost his job and she didn't
think she was gonna be able to COBRA in the insurance and be able to have
surgery. Well, she was able to COBRA it in and she found out today from the
insurance company that she is OFFICALLY APPROVED for surgery. She is so happy
and excited so I thought I'd tell you all about it.
Jessica in MI
320 pre-op

Joyce,
It breaks my heart to hear of your experiences with some of your family
members. I know it must hurt to not get the support you need from the people
you
love. My advice is to surround yourself with positive people and those who
understand what you are going through. You can never control what others think,
do or say and your family may not be equipped to give you what you need.
Perhaps keep your distance temporarily from those who do not support you as you
build up your own strength. You have nothing to prove to anyone. You are doing
this for yourself and your own personal happiness. I wish you well, my friend.
Patti T.
SMDC, Duluth, MN
Dr. Jon Krook
Pre-op Lap RNY
2/3/2004
308/140

hi everyone ludacris024 here had to change my name because i couldnt
retrieve my password, ok well its been 5 months and 10 days out and i
have lost 125lbs, 8 waist sizes and 6 hip sizes, problem is i cant
keep much down, my lil baby pooch doesnt like much, all my levels are
only half of what they should be and i have been hospitalized 4 times
since aug 13th due to dehydration and lack of nutrition, I am on my
2nd round with the pick line and am being feed 12hrs a day what my
surgeon calls steak and eggs in a bag.(NOT!!)He said 2 weeks ago when
i last saw him that my body wasnt absorbing the vitamins and protein
that the bag is giving me and I am scheduled for a 24hr urine anlisis
in the morning, but he still has me on the bag.It gives me 99.9 grams
of protein a day and my protein level is only half what it should be
and I'm not peeing enough to rid the fluids I am retaining so im all
swallon still.Is anyone or did anyone have anything close to this
problem?Im sick of it, i can barely take my own shower without be
exhausted and excersise whats that?someone pls step up and help me on
this one. Im lost,sad and depressed over this all not to mention I
dont even recognized that new person I see in the mirror. Thanks for
your thoughts and prayers..............william
surgery-aug13th
377-252-150???? Help
lap

Dear Group,
Perhaps I made a mistake in doing this, but when I made the decision to go
for WLS I also made a decision to wait on any additional workouts and this is
why. At 480+ getting to the YMCA was a chore in itself in that I was embarrased
to get on a city bus. I would use a lift everytme I got on the bus and in
fact, I have had drivers pass me up simply because I was standing and not using
a
whelchair. Now this is not to say that I do not get any exercise, because I
do. When there are places that I have to go like the doctor, store, or any other
important thing, but until I can get the surgery it is just getting tooo hard
for me to do the things I need to do. This is one of the reasons that these
lists and you all are so important to me right now. I save and charish all the
encouraging emails. Thank you!!
Yours in Weight Loss,
Jason

HELLO JASON,
HANG IN THERE, YOU'LL SEE IT WAS ALL WORTH IT...AND YOU'LL AMAZE THEM ONE
DAY...MIMI
starbear212004@... wrote:Dear Group,
Perhaps I made a mistake in doing this, but when I made the decision to go
for WLS I also made a decision to wait on any additional workouts and this is
why. At 480+ getting to the YMCA was a chore in itself in that I was embarrased
to get on a city bus. I would use a lift everytme I got on the bus and in
fact, I have had drivers pass me up simply because I was standing and not using
a
whelchair. Now this is not to say that I do not get any exercise, because I
do. When there are places that I have to go like the doctor, store, or any other
important thing, but until I can get the surgery it is just getting tooo hard
for me to do the things I need to do. This is one of the reasons that these
lists and you all are so important to me right now. I save and charish all the
encouraging emails. Thank you!!
Yours in Weight Loss,
Jason

hey, amanda I'm a new to this web sight but I received your mail that was kind
to everyone. I will be having this surgery in about 4 weeks I hope. You know
how that goes. My insurance approved my surgery in only 6 days. This may sound
crazy but if amanda does'nt get this can someone please reply I've also been
trying to reach fluffylady9@... I met her at a support group meeting in
g'ville,fl. I sure hope that shes not sick.
Thanks for the reply wright232003@...

Any idea what to take for a headache 1 month post -op?
Allan
Lap Rny
12-15-03
312 / 270 /?
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.560 / Virus Database: 352 - Release Date: 1/8/2004

I wish I could help William. But I will keep you in my prayer basket. Good
luck to you. Sounds like you have been going through alot.
Candi

tylenol

=====
Blessings,
*~*Vickie*~*
Proud Mom to Dakota, Collin, Olivia
CHECK OUT MY AUCTIONS AT EBAY, SELLER NAME: googlymom
~*~The Best Thing A Father Can Do For His Children Is To Love Their Mother~*~

I know this questions has been answered before but all of you have different
answers... I am almost 2 months post op. Can we do cruches or situp's
safely? Is there something special we should use as a brace?
Thanks!
~Mandy
Post Op
Lap RNY w/ Gallbladder Removal
December 2, 2003
333/286/175
Dr. Herron
Mercy Medical Center, NY

i am almost 30 days post-op and i do 200 a night. i
feel great.. so i think you will be fine, i am,
Nora
12-30-03
291/253/150
GB Lap
San diego, ca
Dr.Owens

=====
Freedom Prevails Because Hero's Serve.
- Trulock Family

I am not sure if Dr. Diaz does the surgery at Celebration. I think Dr.
Benitez is there and also Dr. Kim. I met Dr. Kim briefly at a support group in
Ft.
Lauderdale, and Dr. Benitez was gone before I started. Isee Dr. Diaz in Ft.
Lauderdale, but I think he is going to start working at the new Miami office.
I had United Insurance (Through the School Board) but they didn't cover it
(Those cheap bastards wrote it as an exclusion) so I had to pay out of pocket,
but it was definately worth every penny I spent.
Good Luck
Mindi
277/173.5/125??
Size 26/28--
Lap RNY 6/26/03

hey crystal! w/ your determination, you'll reach your mini goal, plus plus!!
no, i never dared feeding my hubb w/ a shakes but grossed him out w/ about half
a dozen prot bars, eeeeech!
after about 20 brands, i found a couple of decent bars, but what a mission!
keep it up!
lori h.

Hi,
My name is Lisa. I'm an almost 40 yo (1/26) mom of 2 beautiful
kids. I live in Northern Colorado. I have diabetes.
As with most all the folks here, I've been overweight all my life and
dieted all my life.
I had a period of being thin when I was in college. I taught
aerobics then and lived on hardly any food AND still felt I was fat.
Others did too. But that's the culture - isn't it?
Anyway, my doctor recommended the surgery to me 2 years ago. At the
time I wasn't ready. It took 2 years of "I should be able to do this
by myself" before I decided I was ready for the surgery. So I
started the journey last spring just to hit up against CIGNA. The
doctor I was to go to said they were having too much trouble and if I
could get precert then they'd see me. I decided to diet one more
time. Of course it didn't work. So I started the process again last
fall with another doctor that said they'd try. I was denied. I had
28 weeks of dieting, but it was not contiguous. Was in 2 chunks
within the last year. grrrrrr.
Anyway it was open enrollment so I looked into the other insurance
carriers offered by DH's company. I called them all with the group
number of the company. Asked if they would cover the procedure in
the new year. All said yes. I was sceptical because I had heard
Pacific Care was not going to cover it. Called them back. They said
yes again. Talked to my doctor. They said they had a letter from
PC. So I called them back and told them. They said they'd "have to
look into it". They called back and confirmed. (ok that was 3 calls
to get the truth). So I called Athem BC/BS - HMO Colorado. They too
said it would be covered. I called 4x's with the group number. Had
the last person actually go get the policy and read it. Said it
would. So I changed to them.
Well, the new year has rolled around and I had made an appt with my
doc for 1/7 just to get started. Shoot I already had letters, etc so
it was just a matter of changing the name and address to the
insurance. Well, my doc said they got a letter saying that starting
4/1/04 they would be covering it, but at a reduced rate. $1,500 at a
non-certified facility and $7,500 at a certified facility. Talk
about peeing on a fire! AND of course my hospital is non-cert. So
anyway, my doctor and I are busy getting my psych eval, and
nutritional counseling and hope to get approved. We have set a
2/16/04 surgery date to get it in before the deadline and to get them
to pay at the prior level.
I've been up and down, but refuse to be beat. I'm guardedly
optimistic that I'll be able to get this done at a rate I can
afford. So we'll see if I make it.
I'm looking forward to participating in this group and to learning
more.
LisaF

yeah i remember shannon. congrats to her, approved after all the
uncertainty!!!! tgoodness that their ins acted in good faith.
lori h.

Dear Jackie and Miriam,
Hi girls. I was raised kosher (orthodox many, many years ago) and never
remembered there being any kosher gelatin, however I did a search for
kosher gelatin and came up with this link:
http://www.barryfarm.com/desserts.htm
However, the nutritional information says that the unflavored gelatin
(made with no meat products) has no protein and the flavored gelatins
have only 1.4 grams of protein per serving, so I don't know if it's
worth it or not for you. In order to get the protein (like the Knox
gelatin being discussed) you have to have the one made with meat
products and according to the following article, there's no way you're
gonna find it to be kosher.
To anyone reading this, it's quite lengthy and if it's not in your
interest, hit your delete key now... hahahaha.
By the way, they talk about agar agar and carrageenan as kosher,
vegetarian, gelatin substitutes, but I believe that these two items will
allow items to gel, but do not contain protein that you're looking for.
Sorry, but I think if you want the benefit the others are getting out of
gelatin, you're not going to get it on the kosher side. Read on...
Getting into the Thick of Things - Gelatin
Rabbi Avrohom Mushell, Star-K Kashrus Administrator
Have you ever had a slice of Petcha, gala reta that spicy globby stuff
Bubby used to cook up. How did she manage to make it so thick?
Better yet, open a can of gefilte fish. Look at the stiff jell that
comes as its broth. Why When you cook your own gefilte fish, do you not
get that solid jelly from your broth?
Did you ever wonder why theirs is so thick and yours is not?
COLLAGEN is the answer to this thickening question.
Collagen is a fibrous insoluble protein that makes up a major portion of
bone, skin and connective tissue. By cooking animal bones or adding fish
bones to the broth of your gefilte fish, you will extract some of the
collagen from the bones. This gives you the wobbly jelly in Petcha or
the gefilte fish that comes in a can.
The most common form that collagen is marketed to us is in its partially
hydrolyzed state known commonly as gelatin. The word gelatin comes from
the Latin word gelatus, meaning stiff or frozen. Gelatin stiffness is
measured in units called Bloom. This refers to a measuring device
developed by a man named Oscar T. Bloom. High bloom refers to a higher
molecular weight of the gelatin giving a stiffer consistency. Different
applications will require different bloom levels.
Gelatin Uses
Gel Desserts
Ice Creams
Gummy Bears
Throat Lozenges
Low Fat Items
Sugar Glazes
Emulsifiers
Marshmallows
Toffees
Vitamins
Frostings
Capsules
Yogurts
Protein Supplements
With the commercialization of food processing, this versatile ingredient
has shown its usefulness in a variety of foods. We may be well aware of
its use in making jellylike confections from Jell-O to Gummy Bears. But
the usefulness of gelatin goes beyond that. Gelatin is fat free, yet it
leaves a smooth feeling in your mouth similar to that of fat. This
effect is very useful as an additive to foods that are marketed as low
fat. Gelatin also acts as an emulsifier helping to distribute fat and
add stability to confections. This is helpful in toffees or in
spreadable frostings, creams, yogurts and ice creams. Adding gelatin can
make a candy last longer as gelatin does not break down as quickly as
sugars do. This makes the addition of gelatin ideal for throat lozenges.
Similarly hard sugar glazes will stay white and not run when gelatin is
added. Gelatin can hold shape when aerated to create light and fluffy
marshmallows. In vitamins and medicines gelatin can be used as a coating
to cover a bitter taste or as a capsule to contain the powders. Some use
plain gelatin as a protein supplement to their diet. All in all, gelatin
is remarkably versatile and ideal for the manufacture of many processed
foods and confections. The only question to the kosher consumer is, can
one use foods containing gelatin?
The answer, in short, is it depends on the source. As mentioned before,
gelatin is made by extracting the collagen from the bones and skins of
animals and fish. Most commonly, the gelatin made from animal products
is not being manufactured from kosher or Kosher-slaughtered animals.
There are several questions that must be addressed to understand the
Halachic status of gelatin. For starters the Torah prohibits eating the
meat of those animals or fish designated as tameh (unclean/non-kosher).
Examples are, pig, horse, catfish, and shark. Meat of an animal that is
tahor (clean/kosher) and is not properly slaughtered is prohibited by
the Torah as nevelah. Do these prohibitions also apply to the bones and
skin of the animal as well? If the prohibitions of nevelah and tameh
were to apply to the skins and bones, can this status be altered through
the processing used in the manufacture of gelatin? Lastly, if the animal
source for the gelatin is kosher, does it retain the properties inherent
to it's source? Is such gelatin considered meat and therefore cannot be
cooked or eaten with dairy products? If the source is fish, can it be
used together with meat? The Shulchan Aruch (Yore Deah 116:2) states
that one may not eat fish with meat as it is considered unhealthy. This
is based on the Gemora which teaches that meat cooked with fish causes
disease. Does gelatin extracted from fish carry this restriction?
With reference to the question, does processing alter the status of
meat, we may cite a similar question discussed in Yore Deah (87:10). It
used to be the practice to make cheese curd by adding the skin of a
calf's stomach to milk, or by letting the milk sit in a calf's stomach.
The Rema states that where the stomach has been salted and dried to the
extent that is like a piece of wood, if milk is added to it, it is
permitted to use the resulting cheese. The Shach notes that although one
may use the milk products, it is not proper to do this intentionally.
The Pri Megadim notes that the Rema's leniency applies specifically to
the stomach of an animal which has less meat flavor and not to regular
meat. The Pri Megadim adds that the Rema allowed this only where the
stomach was removed from the milk after a short time and not heated with
the milk. If the stomach stays for a period of over 24 hours or is
heated with the milk, it will absorb meat flavor and be prohibited.
These statements were made in reference to dried kosher meat parts.
Although they were meat, they were kosher and did not carry a
prohibition. The fact that they were dried, serves to prevent them from
attaining a prohibition when mixed with milk. This may not be the case
where the source is not kosher. There is a rule that states; "that which
comes out of an unclean (non-kosher) source remains unclean
(non-kosher)". If so, we should say that the by-products of a non-kosher
animal retain their non-kosher status.
As to the question, are hides considered meat, Horav Moshe Feinstein
zt"l addressed this issue in Igros Moshe (vol:1 #37). There he writes
that hides are not considered meat (to prohibit its mixture with milk)
by Torah Law. They are prohibited with milk by Rabbinic law. If they are
dried and processed, the gelatin that comes out is not included in this
Rabbinic prohibition. Therefore, gelatin produced from kosher
slaughtered animal hides may be intentionally used with milk, provided
that the hides are cleaned to remove any meat residue. There are
opinions that disagree with Horav Feinstein's conclusion. Notably, Horav
Aharon Kotler zt"l concludes that gelatin produced from kosher hides is
considered meat. However, there is room for leniency when dealing with
gelatin derived from kosher hides as the gelatin has little or no taste.
Therefore it can be nullified in pareve ingredients resulting in a
pareve product (this does not contradict the rule ein mvatlin issur
lechatchila, as it is heter.). However, gelatin from non-kosher hides
retains its prohibited status.
It must be noted that we have not addressed the question of blood in or
on the hides. We know that blood is prohibited for consumption by Torah
Law. This is why we salt our meats prior to cooking. There is a question
regarding animal hides as to whether we assume there is blood absorbed
in them which must be removed. To satisfy all opinions, one would have
to salt hides prior to processing.
The question, do bones of a non-kosher animal carry the same prohibition
as the meat, is discussed in Yoreh Deah (99). The Shulchan Aruch
maintains that bones of a prohibited animal are kosher and would in fact
count as part of the permitted food to constitute a majority of sixty
kosher parts. The Rema maintains that although the bones themselves are
not prohibited they do not count as part of the kosher percentage when
mixed with other kosher food. The Shach quotes the strict view that the
moisture in bones of non-kosher animals is not kosher. Only dry bones
are viewed as kosher. Some rabbinic authorities interpret the collagen
as being part of the natural liquid of the bone which the Shach
prohibited.
It should be noted that even the Shulchan Aruch was only talking about
the actual bone itself not the marrow of the bone, which is treated as
meat and is prohibited. Furthermore, if the bone was already cooked with
non-kosher meat or bone-marrow, it becomes unkosher.
As you may have deduced from the above information, if we were to
produce gelatin from a non-kosher animal bone, this may only be done
with cleaned and dried bone without any marrow or soft tissue. Rabbinic
authorities note that one cannot assume that the manufacturers process
alone will be pure enough to produce gelatin in a kosher manner. We
should also take into account the opinions that the collagen in the bone
is prohibited as part of the animals liquids. All things considered, one
should refrain from consuming gelatin from a non-kosher animal. This
indeed is the practice of most reputable kosher certifying
organizations. Where the source of the gelatin is a kosher animal, there
are still logistical problems to overcome. Aside from the prohibitions
of tameh and nevela discussed above, we must also be concerned with the
prohibition of treifa. This refers to the Torah's prohibition against
consumption of animals that have certain injuries or disorders. Since
most of the inspections to determine if the animal is treifa are done
after the slaughter and skinning of the animal, the hides must be
tracked to be sure that treifa hides do not get mixed up with kosher
hides. For this reason meticulous supervision is needed to oversee
production. As with any kosher food, the production must also be done on
kosher equipment. If the processing is to be done in a non-kosher plant
(as is usually the case), the equipment must be cleaned and kosherized
before kosher production.
Similarly fish gelatin in order to be considered kosher must be produced
from kosher species of fish. The use of fish gelatin with meat foods
poses an interesting question. As we have mentioned the Shulchan Aruch
(Yore Deah:116) prohibits cooking meat and fish together because of
health concerns. When dealing with possible health concerns we are more
stringent than with possible Issur (prohibited substances). For this
reason there is a question among the commentaries if the nullification
in sixty rule applies to unhealthy substances as it does with prohibited
substances. The custom is that one can nullify unhealthy substances in
sixty (see Nekudas Hakesef, Yoreh Deah:116 & Pische' Tshuvah).
Today there are many reasons for leniency in the use of fish gelatin
together with meat. Many rabbinic authorities are of the opinion that
the nature of some foods have changed, making the mixture of meat and
fish no longer unhealthy (see Magen Avrohom Orach Chaim 173:1, Tshuvos
Chasm Sofer vol:1 #101) In addition there is reason to say that not all
fish are dangerous with meat. It may be that only the type mentioned in
the Gemora (Binita) is unhealthy (see Pische' Tshuvah, Yoreh Deah
116:3). There is also good reason to say that the unhealthy aspects of
fish cooked with meat are found in the flesh of the fish, not in their
skin and bone (from which gelatin is made). Gelatin does not have fish
flavor. As such it may not harbor the harmful effects that fish carry
(see Pische Tshuva ,Tshuvos Sride Eish vol:2 #67 re. cooking beef in
fish oil). With this same reasoning we can say that gelatin can be batel
(nullified) with a majority of other food ingredients and can be mixed
with meat. (As stated according to R' Aharon Kotler, zt"l regarding
animal gelatin & milk) As a result of these reasons it is acceptable to
use fish gelatin with meat. We may use much the same reasoning in the
reverse case, to allow animal gelatin with fish.
In summary, gelatin produced from tahor species that is properly
processed (slaughter, internally checked and salted in the case of
animal source) and made on kosher equipment is acceptable.
Gelatin Substitutes
Agar Agar
Carrageenan
Gums & Thickeners
Gum Arabic
Carob
Guar
Karaya
Pectin
Tragacanth
Xantham
In today's market there are reliably kosher gelatins available from both
animal and fish sources. There are other gelatin substitutes that are
not animal or fish based which have similar properties to gelatin and
can serve in its stead. Common among them are Agar Agar, and Carrageenan
made from sea vegetation. Agar Agar or Katen, is derived from a red
algae known as gelidium comeum. Agar Agar has strong setting properties
like gelatin. In fact unlike gelatin which needs refrigeration to set,
Agar Agar will gel at room temperature. Gels made from Agar Agar are
affected by acidity more than gelatin. Thus one may find fruity deserts
made with Agar Agar likely to turn watery. Carrageenan also known as
Irish Moss is a reddish purple seaweed. Its jell is not as stiff as
gelatin or Agar Agar but it is quite useful as an emulsifier or as a
gelling or thickening additive. There are other vegetable derivatives
that can serve as gelatin replacements as stabilizers, emulsifiers or
thickeners. Pectin, used in jams and jellies, is a complex carbohydrate
extracted from apple pulp and citrus rinds. There are many other
vegetable gums that can be used. Amongst them are the gums of Guar,
Carob, Gum Arabic, Tragacanth, and Karaya. Guar is a legume commonly
found in Pakistan and India. Gum Arabic is derived from Acacia trees
found in Sudan and West Africa, and Locust Bean Gums extracted from
Carob beans (boxer) common to the Middle-East and the Mediterranean.
Tragacanth gum is gathered from the breaks in the bark of the Astragalus
shrub common to Asia. Karaya or Sterculia gum is from the Sterculia tree
found in India. Xantham Gum, often seen as an ingredient in kosher salad
dressings and the like, is not of plant origin. It is produced by the
microbial fermentation of a carbohydrate with the xanthomonas campestris
organism. Gelatin substitutes are also making headway in the field of
vitamin and medicinal capsules.
Vegicaps, the vegetable based capsules, are now gaining popularity and
are being used as a kosher alternative in the vitamin and nutritional
industry. Regarding the taking of medicines and supplements that have
non-kosher gel coatings and capsules, see the Summer 1995 Kashrus
Kurrents article, Does over the counter need to be under Hashgacha, by
Rabbi Dovid Heber.
So when you want to get into the thick of it or if you want your dessert
to gel, there are alternatives that do not compromise good kashruth
standards.
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/212/165
BMI 60/31/24
-174
-100"
Angel to Bill, Debbie, Ilene, Roy, and Ro

william, sounds like your doc is only treating your symptoms, rather than try to
get to the cause. have u been checked for a stricture?
get another opinion, w/ a quickness!! there's no reason u shouldn't be thriving
@ 5 months out. get your upper GI checked out.
once you're able to really get in some real nutrition, the fatigue should get
better.
hang in there, i hear your (understandable) frustration.
lori h.

Hi everyone... I am new to the board. My name is Nicole, I live in
Miami. I have already turned in all my paperwork to the surgeon's
office (3 days ago)and they advised that Aetna requires them to mail
it. Is there anyone out there with Aetna that can tell me more or
less how long they take to advise if approved or not ??? Should I
follow up with the insurance company...
Thanks,
Nicole

HI all, according to my scales I lost 3 pds. in one day, IS it
possible????? I keep checking the scale, and even after I have eatin
2 meals and a snack 3 bottles water it still reads same.. WOOHOO if
its right LOL
Andrea

Jason,
I can't believe the bus driver passed you! I wish you the best, I
don't think not "exercising" before the surgery will hurt you much,
it's going to be hard enough for me not to eat cheesecake, in
antispation of not eating it again :D
take care

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Weekly Group Chat!!
Monday January 26, 2004
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
Notes:

I am sure its right. I lost 2.5 pounds since yesterday.
Pam

I have been off awhile because my Dell died. The Dell guy came and
fixed me and now I am back!
I had asked questions about a month or so back about different foods
and not being able to eat anything. Well as it turned out, I had a
stricture. It came about due to acid reflux from ulcers. It had
built up scar tissue. I had an endoscopy done on January 12th. The
Dr called a few days later and said that he couldn't open up the
stomach as much as was needed or he would have tore the tissue so he
wanted to give the tissue time to heal and go in again and open it
some more. So, I will be having another endoscopy the first week in
February. YAY!!!! Much fun. At least they found out what it was and
are fixing it. I am grateful and blessed for that.
I also haven't lost anything this week at all. I think because I am
not eating enough. I haven't given up. Thanks for all you guy's
advice and support. You guys are great!
Michelle

well i went for my 2 week check up and i have lost 20.3 lbs... i am so excited.
everything went well and i got my staples out. well just wanted to tell
someone... yeaaahhh...

HI MINDY,
I AM GOING TO CALL TOMORROW AT 8AM. I WAS VERY BUSY TODAY AND DIDN'T GET THE
CHANCE. DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT DR. BENITEZ--IS HE W/ DR.MAREMA'S GROUP?
WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORLANDO? I SEE YOU ARE ALMOST AT YOUR GOAL..CONGRAT'S....MIMI
ehmjc1014@... wrote:I am not sure if Dr. Diaz does the surgery at
Celebration. I think Dr.
Benitez is there and also Dr. Kim. I met Dr. Kim briefly at a support group in
Ft.
Lauderdale, and Dr. Benitez was gone before I started. Isee Dr. Diaz in Ft.
Lauderdale, but I think he is going to start working at the new Miami office.
I had United Insurance (Through the School Board) but they didn't cover it
(Those cheap bastards wrote it as an exclusion) so I had to pay out of pocket,
but it was definately worth every penny I spent.
Good Luck
Mindi
277/173.5/125??
Size 26/28--
Lap RNY 6/26/03

But I am on Meridia and Wellbutrin....... I havent had the surgery...
Andrea

I have 2 questions, but first.........
I saw my surgeon, got the pre-op tests, got my psychological and
was approved by my insurance company. On Wednesday morning, I was given
a 1/28 surgery date. Needless to say, there was unprecidented whooping
and hollering around here.
Then yesterday, I got a call that my doctor now refuses to do
surgery at the hospital I was approved for, (don't know why) and the
insurance will not pay for anything if the surgery is done at the
hospital that is across the street. I went from a date a week away to
basically starting over, all in 24 hours.
I have 2 options...to switch surgeons to one who operates at an "in
network" hospital...OR....appeal to the insurance company to allow me to
go to the other hospital.
Question 1. Have any of you ever been approved for the surgery, but
denied because of the hospital? If so, how long did it take to appeal
the matter, and did you succeed.
Question 2. Do any of you know of a good surgeon in the central
Florida area? I live in Palm Coast, but would go to Jacksonville,
Orlando, Daytona, etc........Anywhere where the surgeon is good and I
can use this operation approval before it is outdated and I have to
start over with everything.
Thanks for any advice you can give me.....I am SO disappointed!!!!
Cindy
Mother of Many

but its still possible

CONGRATS!!!!!!!
ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB!!!!!
A FRIEND IN SURGERY
CHRISTOPHER CARROLL
YOUR ON THE LOSING SIDE
WELCOME LOSER
CHRISTOPHER CARROLL

This is kinda what happened to my cousin, He was approved by his insurance
and had to have $950 dollars up front for the DR. medical assistant and
physic evaluation. My doctor didn't do those things so he switched doctors.
It took one day for them to switch the name on the approval letter. I would
just switch doctors. Even if it meant postponing it for a few months.
Because yesterday I got my hospital bill. Just for the 4 day stay it was $25
549.91. I would go where your insurance says. I had my WLS on Jan 13. a
week later he took the staples out and I had lost 9 lbs. I cant wait to be
able to see the weight loss. But I think 9lbs is a nice start.
Becca

hello this is Pam that was Twinsmommy42. I have a new e-mail
address.

hey nora, 30 lbs in 3 weeks, excellent! wait till your hubb comes
home, you'll wow him.
keep up the great work---working out & everything.
& regarding dreams----15 months ago i went back to school. as a pre-
op i was too fatigued to ever undertake my legal studies. the w l &
the caffeine worked----all A's!
will u sign a copy of your CD for us when u launch your career?
lori h.
20 grateful months out

go for it, candi!! it IS your turn now, time to get even more
empowered & self-actualized!
lori h.

Hello everyone!
My name is Sera and I just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I
live in the northwest, I'm 29, I have 2 kids and I am married. :) I
have been reading about WLS for a long while now. I jumped through
all the right hoops and got a recommendation to go see a doctor for
surgery, but now my insurance company sayes they don't cover it.
Funny thing is, that before I began I talked to a lady at the
insurance company and she said it was covered as long as I was
refered to the specialist, (which I was). So I called again last
night and the insurance company said, that it should be covered and
to appeal it. I would greatly appreicate any advice y'all can give
me on successful appeals. Any words of advice? pleeeeaaasssseeee
Also I would like to thank the gastric bypass family founders and all
those part of the family. I love the group and the website.
Extremely helpful!
thanks!

I had the same problem for awhile and I'm starting to be able to eat
a wider variety of foods but it does seem like roulette trying some
foods and wondering if they will make you sick or in my case I can
chew and chew and food will still feel like a rock going down . . .
Hang in there!
Bridget Northam

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
South Miami Hosp Support Group
Thursday January 22, 2004
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event repeats on the fourth Thursday of every month.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 2 days, 4 minutes.
Event Location: Educ Cntr
Notes:
go to miamihope.com

Is there such a thing as CHEWABLE calcium citrate? I've been taking
Viactives which are Calcuim Carbonate. The Dr said something was better than
nothing!
The Citrical pills are HUGE! Any suggestions?
~Mandy
Post Op
Lap RNY w/ Gallbladder Removal
December 2, 2003
333/289.5/175
Dr. Herron
Mercy Medical Center, NY
I really need to start taking another source of calcium,I've been taking four
sugar free Tums since the day I came home ,I tried the caltrate chewable and
I just cant stand them,Is there another good chewable I can take or something
else that's very good as a calcium source?

hi sherri. according to some literature from 1 one of the support
groups i attend:
"....since the quantity of food intake is much less, & you're eating
less fruits & vegs, the frequency & volume of your bm is reduced.
try to increase your fluid intake to 8-10 cups per day, this will
help soften the bm. try to increase your physical activity to 30
minutes of walking daily, this will help increase motility.
some over the counter products may help:
milk of magnesia---saline laxative
citrucel powder---bulk forming lax.
senokot---stimulant
konsyl---bulk forming lax.
colace---stool softener"
unqoute
& as always, pls check w/ your health care professionals.
lori h.

is it normal to be able to eat "alot" one day and one bite at a time for like
3 or 4 days??
I am 2 1/2 months post!
Thanks
Crystal
11/18/03
365/295/2nd mini goal 250

i say go for it Candi. Your life is just beginning at 40..that's not old!
Think of the "World Experience" you have to offer law that those young things
just out of college don't have a clue about. LOL
faith
preop
270

Hey mimi, My name is Beth I'm not sure where you live but I'm from the
gainesville area and we have a GREAT group of Doc's here. If your from orlando
area then it would be about 2.5 hr drive but it would be worth the drive to know
that your lives in GOOD hands.
MIRIAM RODRIGUEZ <needprozak2000@...
MY NAME IS MIMI, BY ANY CHANCE DO YOU KNOW IF DR.DIAZ IS PERFORMING SURGERY AT
CELEBRATION. ALSO WHO ARE YOU COVERED WITH?
ehmjc1014@... wrote:Dr. Diaz is wonderful....It may be worth traveling to ft
lauderdale for the
surgery and keeping your post op visits in celebration. I actually used Dr.
Marema as my surgeon, but I see dr. Diaz at my post op visits
Mindi
277/173.5/125??
Size 26/28--
Lap RNY 6/26/03

that xenical was pretty 'memorable' so say the least. but what it
really worked for was to present my case to insurance for my wls,
which was about 6 months later.
lori h.

Hey Losers!
Can't get into the chat - it's a blank screen. Could it be because I
have Windows XP? Does anyone know? Thanks!
Angie H.
Open RNY
9/10/3
300/224/150

keep up the diligent work; before u know that knee pain will be a
memory.
lori h.

HELLO BETH, THANKS FOR THE INFO.. LET'S SEE WHERE MY PRIMARY DOC. IS GOING TO
SEND ME, IT DEPENDS ON MY COVERAGE--I'M W/ AETNA..IF IT'S SOME ONE I HAVEN'T
HEARD OF I'M WILLING TO TRAVEL...HAVE YU HAD YOUR SURGERY YET?...I SOMETIMES I
HAVE A HARD TIME KEEPING UP W/ WHO IS WHO..I JUST RECENTLY JOINED THE GROUP
HERE..IT'S BEEN GREAT VERY INFORMATIVE AND SUPPORTIVE..MIMI
beth wright <wright232003@...
sure where you live but I'm from the gainesville area and we have a GREAT group
of Doc's here. If your from orlando area then it would be about 2.5 hr drive
but it would be worth the drive to know that your lives in GOOD hands.
MIRIAM RODRIGUEZ <needprozak2000@...
MY NAME IS MIMI, BY ANY CHANCE DO YOU KNOW IF DR.DIAZ IS PERFORMING SURGERY AT
CELEBRATION. ALSO WHO ARE YOU COVERED WITH?
ehmjc1014@... wrote:Dr. Diaz is wonderful....It may be worth traveling to ft
lauderdale for the
surgery and keeping your post op visits in celebration. I actually used Dr.
Marema as my surgeon, but I see dr. Diaz at my post op visits
Mindi
277/173.5/125??
Size 26/28--
Lap RNY 6/26/03

I have to say...Praise the Lord, Amen, Alleluia....this stuff is awesome and
it actually tastes like CHOCOLATE....it is a dream come true!!!
I found it at Walmart for $2.63...great stuff, 3 carbs for 1 cup, 12 grams
of protein....I might actually be able to get my protein in now!!!
Tina Durbin
LAP RNY 10/29/03
316/266/???