Gastric Bypass Weblog

i know this has been answered but i am having trouble with aol and lost all
my emails...
Thanks
Crystal
11/18/03
365/283/2nd mini goal 250

The outcome outweighs the pain just like child birth...the pain will be a
distant factor when you see the scale move...I don't regret mine at all!
Carol Matar
Post op 10/31/03
Dr. Adam Naaman
Lap RNY
405/315/135
90 pounds gone forever!
Carol Matar

Are you a male between the ages of 16 - 26 who has had Weight Loss
Surgery? Have you had dramatic results from your surgery? Are you
happy with your results? Are you Planning on getting Weight Loss
Surgery in the near futrue? If you answered yes to any of these
questions MTV wants you!
MTV's Emmy Award winning documentary show TRUE LIFE is casting for
their next episode slated for IMMEDIATE PRODUCTION, so email ASAP!
http://www.mtv.com/onair/castingcall/story.jhtml?id=1456283
If you are between the ages of 16 and 26, please email your story to
scarle@... or weight@...
Please include you name, age, location, height, weight and phone
number.

Hi everyone........ I just got an email update on my friend Shannon who had
surgery yesterday. They said that she was in A LOT of pain and that they were
trying to adjust her meds. Now for a year we have been saying that we were
gonna have this surgery and now that she has had it, I'm thinking do I really
still want to??? I wonder sometimes if I just buckle down and diet, if I will
be okay. I don't know. I really want to have it (my date is April 2nd) but,
then again, maybe I don't. And who will take care of my kids, my husband, my
dogs?? We can't afford for him to stay at a hotel while I'm in the hospital
so, he will probably come back home and I will be there all by myself. (not
good for a co-dependant person such as myself). I'm really getting scared. Is
there some way of me overcoming it?? I mean I have come so far, I don't want
to back out now but, I just get this icky feeling in the pit of my stomach
when I think about the surgery. I also have this horrible fear of going to
sleep
and never waking up. HELP!!!
Jessica in MI
325 pre-op
Mom to Nathaniel-5 and
Maylynn-2

My first surgeon was the one who required that I lose 50 pre-op, so I changed
surgeons...LOL!
Carol Matar
Post op 10/31/03
Dr. Adam Naaman
Lap RNY
405/315/135
90 pounds gone forever!
Carol Matar

I have heard that some surgeons and/or insurance companies require this; but not
90 lbs. Ive read that 10% weight loss is required if a patient has a fatty
liver and is difficult to move out of the way (for LAP RNY). Ive also read
where surgeons/insurance wants to see a small loss to indicate you are indeed
serious about the surgery. But 90 lbs??? Geez, If I could lose 90 lbs on my
own, I wouldnt need surgery!
~~Pat~~
Orlando, FL
252/207/160
BMI 37/
52 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/10/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

Tanya, I have started using carb solutions creamy vanilla in a
pinch. Please note, I am a chocoholic since birth. Mom used to say
I was born w/ a Hershey bar in my mouth. Anyway, I enjoy the
vanilla from carb solutions.
Joanne

Good to hear everyone is loosing so much weight and doing so well.
I've found two really great products lately that are delicious, one
is protein drinks and the other is protein bars...and each have many
choices of flavors; and I think they are yummy.
You know how one post said someone had talked about working from
home and whatever it was was a scam? Well, I work three businesses
from home and I love the freedom of making my own hours and choosing
when to work, not if I work. The other neat thing is that I conduct
my business alongside my every day activities. Just so you have
another perspective, I'll tell you about them very briefly. One of
my businesses is as a Business & personal "Coach" and another is as
a "Virtual Assistant" and I have a domaine name [but have not made
my website yet because I have been so busy from referrals that I
have no time for myself]. I am: www.avirtualpartner.com. Another
business is at www.marykay.com/lynda.nurenberg, and lastly, I have
my own INA internet business. So yes, you can work at home and make
a living. Just be aware there are scams out there, but there are
also viable businesses that one can develop while working from a
home based office...we who try and succeed are called "solopreneurs"
and we are not a small number of people. This field is growing very
rapidly.
Take care my friends! I usually leark in the background and say very
little, unless an issue is misrepresented or there is a dilemma I
can give information about, or help surface issues. See you soon.
Lynda Nurenberg

51 pounds in 2 months?!??!?!?!?!? and you are concerned? When is the last
time you have lost 51 pounds in 2 months? it takes a while for your body to
catch up to the weight loss...my guess is that you are losing
inches.....relax....you will lose. it just takes time
Mindi
277/167/125??
Lap RNY 6/26/03

Victoria,
March 22, 2004, is a great day for surgery. I had mine March 22, 2003, and
have lost 127 pounds to date, and even more by the time of my one year
anniversary. Good luck girl.
Mary A. B.
LAP RNY 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein, MD.
Mobile, Alabama
BMI 65/43
386/259-127LBS.
59 years old

hi i am just cleaning out my dorm room tonight i have alot of jeans
in 24 and i also have capri pants and jean skirts in 22 through 24
by the weekend i will either make a list or take pics and post them
on the website. i dont know if ihave work pants yet. i go back to
work monday and i havent tried them on yet. but im sure i do.
lauren

who are you saying to stop writting you.. hmm.. starlet

Hi everyone,
I will be having my lap rny on March 1st! I am excited and nervous!
Thanks for all your posts,
Julie

I agree with you i love my Atkins in a can pre made is the way to go i hate the
powerd drinks
Pat Keller <pbkeller@...
Ive tried so many shakes and none compare for me to Atkins in cans (yeah, Im
lazy). I finally broke down and tried the new Slimfast: Im broke and they were
cheaper. Again I was disappointed. I found it better than EAS, but I guess you
get what you pay for.
Maybe others will voice a different opinion, but I will stay with my fav.
~~Pat~~
Orlando, FL
252/207/160
BMI 37/
52 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/10/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

Note: forwarded message attached.

ok,
I am post-opp for almost 2 months now. and have lost 51 pounds. Well I think. I
have 2
scales one that is 10 yrs old the one that spins and one dital one that is about
4 months
old. I work out at the YMCA and use there scale too. Why does every scale say
something
diffrerent it really frustrates me. My 10 yr scale says 237lbs and the dital
says 242 lbs but
when i step off of it and on it again it will say something diffrent too. the
one at the YMCA
says 244lbs. And I weighted myself at my daughters doctor appt. yesterday. and
it said
244 but they said it was a heavy scale. I know this is awful of me being so
crazy about it. I
am also afraid I have stopped losing. can you plateu at 2 months? I am afraid i
am not
going to lose as much as i lost the first 2 months i have 90 pounds to lose to
be 150. i just
have tthis fear i am going to stop and i will sit at 240 . my doctor said you
will lose
everything the first 6 months then after that you really won't lose anymore. i
am afaird. i
don't know why. i just think i went though this and can eat really well and
struggle with
eating i am not going be where i need to be. i am starting to eat better. i
don't throw up as
much. i need to be talked down from this. i wish i had support groups near me.
chapmen
is almost 2 hours away and it is hard to get me hubby home from work to watch
the girls.
so i need online support. i don't stop thinking about this..everytime i step on
a scale i want
to throw it. what scale or weight should i go by. i need help with this.. anyone
with advice
feel free. even a smack...lol..
Nora
GB LAP
12/30/03
291/240?/150
SAN DIEGO

Nora
First of all, throw out your scales!
Cant do that? Neither can I! I need positive reinforcement. When
stepping on a sliding weight type scale, first move all weights
to "0" and see if it balances there. If it drops down, ask that it
be adjusted.
Having said that, positive reinforcement can come in other forms.
You can still be losing inches when not losing pounds. You can be
gaining muscle weight and still be losing fat weight. Plus, your
body needs time to catch up with itself every once in a while. Are
your clothes still getting looser? Are you exercising? Muscle
weighs more than fat but will in the long run help burn fat, even
when sleeping.
Congrats on losing 51 pounds in almost two months. Ive only lost 45
in 2 1/2 months... ONLY?... when else have I lost that much weight
so fast. I have to keep telling myself that people who have more to
lose than I will lose more, faster. From 252 to 209 is great when I
remember I only have 49 - 59 more to lose. Putting things in
perspective helps. Im not starting out at 400+ like others who are
losing faster than I. And God Bless those at double my weight, you
will be presented with many more eye-opening benefits than I.
Everything I hear/read contradicts your doctor saying you will lose
all your weight in only 6 months. All the research I read indicates
it takes 12 to 18 months to lose 75% of your EXCESS body weight,
with many plateaus in that graph.
Ive already hit a plateau at less than two months that lasted 2-3
weeks, but the scale is moving again. I had to examine the reasons
why. I figure in addition to my body adjusting to the elimination
of ALL glucophage (2000 mg/day) and the weaning off insulin (havent
taken ANY at all in over two weeks), AND the lack of walking for
weeks following fracturing a rib 4 wks post op, my diet needed
tweaking. I was concentrating solely on getting 80 grams of protein
and less than 5 grams of sugars, when I wasnt paying attention to
high fats and hidden carbs. Targeting a few changes I could zone in
on should help.
High expectations result in disappointment. Keep doing what you are
doing and you will succeed.
Be well everyone
~~Pat~~
Orlando, FL
252/207/160
BMI 37/
52 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/10/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

Hi Jennie,
I'm the Linda you were referring to in your post. I had Dr. Mary Murphy with
Pacific Bariatric. I had originally wanted the Lap, but decided I didn't care
that much about the scar to wait another 4-5 months to get it done. I also
thought that they'd have a better chance of finding anything else that might be
wrong with me if I did the open. Yes, the scar is not pretty. But it will fade
over time. I did develop a little blister on a part of it and had to take some
antibiotics and drain it, but it's just a memory now. I also had 2 drains ( a
lot of people only had 1), so I have those 2 little scars as well. They'll
probably be unnoticeable with time. There was some pain for a few weeks. My
situation was complicated in that I caught something akin to the flu about a
week after surgery. Let me tell you, coughing and sneezing were no picnic. Thank
god I had my Bari Buddy. It's a little bear you can get from www.wlscenter.com.
It cost me about $20 or so, but it was so worth it. It harder
than a pillow so it helped with the coughing and sneezing more than a pillow
did.
PB is fabulous. And so is Mercy Hospital. Most of the nurses were wonderful.
Very compationate and anticipatory of my needs. I did have one nurse and her
assistant who I didn't like. They were on the night shift and when I rang for
them at 4:00 am, they were nowhere to be found. They popped up at 4:30 and it
seemed they had been gone from their posts. But the rest of them were great.
Dr. Mary is one of the nicest people you could ever meet. She cares so much and
is so positive. She didn't require me to loose any more weight after I saw her
the first time since I had lost 10 pound on my own, but she said she wouldn't
cancel my surgery if I lost more. They also make you get weighed by someone who
can document it (physician or gym-I used Curves) 1 week prior to surgery. I
guess they want to be sure you haven't gained any weight.
You will need to get in as good physical shape as you can prior to surgery. It
will make it a lot easier to cope. Follow all the instructions PB will give you
in their handouts.
Most importantly, get your head in the right frame of mind. It is a lifesyle
change and you have to ready to accept the limitations that your new stomach
will put on you. I have been amazed at how many people have not realized that
they needed to be ready to accept this new way of life.
I found the 12 weeks of classes very helpful. But be sure you follow up and make
sure that PB gets all your labs on time. I had to become a squeaky wheel for
myself. Kaiser was not working quite as smoothly as they should have.
Feel free to email me privately if you want to discuss it further.
Good luck,
Linda

Diet V8 Splash is fair, and relatively low sugar.
My doc's patients have a 6 grams of sugar/meal rule. And juice is a meal, as it
has significant calories. All from sugar. And juice has no other value, other
than a little Vitamin C. Try iced herbal tea, or SF Tang, or KoolAid made with
Splenda.
Juice is, IMO, bad! :o)
Rachel
<< From: Diane <bubbles_9832000@...
Subject: Re: ? about 100 % juices
I was gonna buy some apple juice but when i read the label it says like
20 grams of sugar wont that make me sick to much sugar????? I can't
find any sugar free even the light is high sugar. I have only found v8 to
be low . How many sugar grams is ok????
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

IT WAS NOT A REAL PERSON FROM THE GROUP BUT A SCAMMER TRYING TO HOOK US IN. I
RAD UP ON WHAT THEY WERE TRYING TO GET SOMEONE INVOLVED IN AND THEY OF COURSE
WANTED "MONEY". IT WAS ANOTHER SCAM. I TOO AM LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO
FROM HOME SINCE I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND 1 ON THE WAY, BUT I HAVE FOUND NOTHING
LEGIT SO FAR. GOOD LUCK,
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 :)

Hi Everybody -- I haven't posted in a very long time (if at all).

Hello everyone My name is Don and I had my surgery on 10-10-03, and I am happy
to report that I have lost 170 pounds. My begining weight was 489 and as of
today I weight 319 pounds. I Exercise everyday, watch the carbs as closely as
possible and stay away from the pops and the the high carbs beverages. Also
happy to report that I haven't had any side effects...Knock on wood. I haven't
gotten sick, can pretty much eat what I want etc. etc. It just feels so good
to be losing weight for a change instead of gaining...ya know?

Congrats Don!! What a wonderful drop in weight! You should be very
proud of yourself. Being on the losing side is a wonderful feeling
isn't it??!!
Brenda
Missouri
post op 8/12/4
279/167/? hoping for 145

dayyumm, almost in the century club!
lori h.

ugh, diane. keep in touch w/ the staff so they can reschedule ya.
lori h.

keep up the phenomenal progress.
lori h.

misery starlet! no pre-op w l here, though in hindsight i can see
it's benefits. what's your BMI?
lori h.

awesome, tracey! maybe they can squeak u in if there are any
cancellations...
lori h.

welcom joanne! how 'bout taking your hubb to a support meeting so he
can witness some testimonials?
lori h.

wtg, angie! hopefully he/she will be able to address your probs w/
vomitting & pain. keep us posted.
lori h.

Yes.

Once I was approved by insurance, I had to go through
a few tests, blood work, ekg, breathing test, it took
an hour at my regular dr's office. I had my psych
eval over the phone and then an orientation at the
surgeon's. After that I got my date, this all took
about 9 months from beginning to end. The positive
side of the surgery is that I have lost 95 lbs as of
10/27 and I feel great! The negative side is there
hasn't been any for me. I don't get sick from any
food. I eat whatever I want, in just small portions
and I have totally cut out junk food of course. I eat
healthy and I don't have carbonated beverages anymore.
Good luck,
Shannon

I was wondering if anyone had any size 24 or 22 size clothes they need to get
rid of. i
would gladly pay for S/H. I am wearing my clothes that are 3 sizes to big. I
just can't afford
to buy any clothes right now. if anyone can help thanks so much.
Nora
GB LAP
12/30/03
291/240/150
San Diego, CA

I didn't have to lose weight, but I would have jumped
through hoops to get what I wanted. It will be a
tough road. Good luck,
Shannon

Thanks everybody I will keep you updated.

I got word that they are trying to reach me before my appt at 11am today cus he
has to go out of town wont be back for a few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just about am completly prepared for this, and go to college had everything
worked out and arroanged for ex to keep the kids !!!!!!!!!
Dam it!!!!!!!!!
Diane

Hi Lauren
Congrats on the weight lose and I would love to have some or all (if anyone else
doesn't want any) of the clothes. I am 3 months post-op and I am a size 22-to
24. Please let me know and tell me where you are from, I am in Baltimore,
Maryland and I will gladly pay the postage. I need alot of dressy things for
work and of course I love to wear jeans.
Let me know,
Tammy at twricci@...
lotus3333 <BrAvEuT@...
Hi i am 7 weeks out and i was wonding if anyone is in need of
clothes. pants size 24.. lots of jeans. im 22 so i dont really wear
alot of dressy things. i have alot of shirts too some are smaller
than 24. mostly all lane bryant clothes. u will just pay shipping.
just let me know if anyone wants. ill post pictures up if anyone does.
lauren

In a message dated 2/24/04 10:13:21 PM, victorianrose05@... writes:
<< I was also wondering if anyone had hypothyroidism prior to the
surgery and how that affected them if any due to surgery?
I had to take Synthroid before and after the surgery. The wls will not alter
your need to take thryoid medication.
Brenda J.
Mankato, MN
RNY 12/99

Hi Lauren,
I thought I would reply to you not only through the group but also to you
personally so I know you got my mail! I hope you don't mind. I would be
VERY interested in any clothes you were wanting to get rid of. I am down to
a 22-24 from a tight 32 so I could use all the clothes I can get!! You can
t afford to go out and buy new ones every time you go down a size!! Just
drop me a line and let me know something. Paying shipping sounds great.
You can reach me directly at aubbie@... . Hope to hear from you
soon! Congratulations on your surgery and weight loss. I am six months out
as of tomorrow and have lost 124 pounds! I have lost an entire person!!
Skinny wishes,
Sandi Custer

Bonnie
Ive tried so many shakes and none compare for me to Atkins in cans (yeah, Im
lazy). I finally broke down and tried the new Slimfast: Im broke and they were
cheaper. Again I was disappointed. I found it better than EAS, but I guess you
get what you pay for.
Maybe others will voice a different opinion, but I will stay with my fav.
~~Pat~~
Orlando, FL
252/207/160
BMI 37/
52 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/10/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

been a while since i posted! i did not want to drag the wonderful moral down
with my bad attitude, but come on i finally got aproved then they take it
away then they aprove me up down up down... then i recieved a consultqion in
the mail.. woohoo so happy scared to open the letter.. long be hold it says
i have to wait to august and i have to loose 90 pounds.. did you all have to
loose weight.. or so much..
PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS???? DID YOU HAVE TO LOOSE SO MUCH WEIGHT AND GIVE A
OR ELSE YOUR CONSUTAION WILL BE CANCELED????
thanks starlet

Diane
Your surgeon should have a nutritionist on staff you can talk to about the diet
and what to have on hand.
I could have been and would have been discharged 24 hrs after surgery but I live
200 miles away and asked to stay a 2nd night. Day 1 in hospital was ice chips
and clear liquids. Day 2, after the morning upper GI resulting in no leaks, I
was on full liquids: cream soup, cream of wheat (ugh), protein drink, pudding,
etc.
My first week home was full liquids...diet pudding, cream soups, lowfat yogurt,
high protein drinks - 1/2 cup between meals as a snack. Week two was Pureed
Diet: applesauce, pureed fruits and vegetables, scrambled eggs, low fat cottage
cheese, cheese and protein drinks - 1/2 - 3/4 cup between meals. Week three was
Soft Diet adding tuna, seafood, soft veggies fruits and protein drinks - again
1/2 - 3/4 cup between meals. From this point I could add foods at my own pace
including solid pieces of chicken and turkey and more fruits and veggies.
Instructed not to eat beef or pork for the first 6 months (except ground beef at
two months). I was to get in 80 grams of protein a day, which was made easier
with the shakes. 1 egg, 1 oz of meat, fish, poultry or cheese is only 7 grams
protein. 1/2 cup skim milk or yogurt is only 4 grams.
So, to answer your question: I shopped before surgery stocking up on soups,
puddings, yogurt, and protein drinks (Atkins is the best tasting to me). Just
be sure to read labels for the high protein and low sugars (under 5 grams per
serving) and get the biggest bang for your bite.
Cathy:
I was told I could drink water after shakes, just not after meals. I have my
shakes between meals as a snack.
And the constipation! The added iron and consuming half the liquids as pre-op
has me bottled up like concrete! Ive started a regime in the morning of
drinking up to a cup of hot water with sea salt and fresh squeezed lemon juice.
It helps get things moving.
Beth
How many grams of sugar are in the 100% juice popsicles?
Tracey
I only had to wait 2 1/2 months and was so beside myself having to wait.
December 10 just couldnt arrive fast enough for me. Hang in there, its worth
it.
Cathy
Hi again. Try broling or baking your chicken or fish. THEN CUT EACH BITE as
small as a pencil eraser and chew thoroughly. At say a BBQ place, I order a
chicken breast and pull the meat, shred it then cut the shreds into small bites.
Plus it feeds me another two or more meals.
Jennie
If you are comfortable with the surgeon and can stand the wait... hang in there
for the Lap. Recovery is so much faster, and I personally believe less chance
for infection. Congrats
QUESTIONS
Biotin - does it really work? My hair is so thin now I cant afford to lose
more. What dose?
Also, how many months before one notices hair loss? It better not hit me before
mid-May... Im going to my high school reunion.
How do the rest of you with constipation tackle it? Even taking 3 5mg biscodyl
a night dont move it. Im afraid of fiber supplements or laxatives because I
imagine them swelling in my pouch.
Last question: I had to discontinue Celebrex 10 days before surgery. Has
anyone else with arthritis or joint pain/inflamation been prescribed a
replacement that is gentle on the stomach?
Congrats to all on their weight loss. This has been so exciting for me and
motivating to read everyone's success stories. Group Hug???
~~Pat~~
Orlando, FL
252/207/160
BMI 37/
52 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/10/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

Hi i am 7 weeks out and i was wonding if anyone is in need of
clothes. pants size 24.. lots of jeans. im 22 so i dont really wear
alot of dressy things. i have alot of shirts too some are smaller
than 24. mostly all lane bryant clothes. u will just pay shipping.
just let me know if anyone wants. ill post pictures up if anyone does.
lauren

I'm not sure where y'all are getting info . . . but the rise in DS is dramatic.
Many are having it done . . . It *does* involve restriction, and maximum
malabsorption, just not as restricted as RnY. They generally get 4 oz pouch, I
have 1 oz. They have pylorus (bottom stomach valve), I don't. They commonly
get 40" common channel, I have 60". And I'm very distal. They don't dump, I
do.
The old stomach stapling? You talking about VBG? Restriction only? Many of
them have been revised to RnY, but some are still getting it done. One guy here
in Seattle still does 'em regularly. VBGs. <shudders
As to why DS? They still digest normally, still have access to intrinsic
factor, so don't get B12 deficient. Have restriction, just not as restricted as
we are . . . I would have, if there'd been a doc in area who did DS a year ago.
Wasn't one . . .
Rachel
From: "Peter" <psligas@...
Subject: Re: has anyone
Actually, the right answer is yes.
Going back MANY years ago, there was a procedure of just stomach
stapling which was done. A smaller pouch was formed and there was no
other separation of the stomach. It would be akin to use of a band
now of days.
Weight loss varied, and revisions have occured, including having a
complete RNY done.
There is still an operation being done which was derived from the
DS. It works completely on the basis of malabsorption. My question
would be this.... Why have that procedure done so you can still eat
so much and lose weight. Part of the way we afford new clothes is
the cost savings of food. This other surgery teaches us nothing as
how to handle food in a more reasonable fashion. It may be
effective, but IMHO I beieve there are much greater risks long term.
This may cause problems when very old. But at least I will be able
to get there.
Peter

happy dance!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go lady!!!!!!!!!!
laredo_36042 <laredo_36042@...
my 1 month checkup and i've lost
28 pds. it is so wonderful. 280/252 Phyllis in Ala.

It would be wonderful of you to be able to explain step by step what
all you have to go through to have this done. I don't know your
story......I just read your last entry. I am a 27 yr old mother of 3.
I am only 5-1, yet I'm at the most I've ever been 225. I'm having
little problems, body doesn't want to last very long physicially, I
just can't do what I wan't to do with my life anymore. So.....if you
or anyone else ahs gone through the procedure already.......it would
be great to hear the positive & negative aspects of the surgery.
Thanks to the founders of this site. And, may you all be blessed!
Keely

Hello
After reading your email, it made me think of myself, I have been waiting for
my first appointment to see my surgeon for a long time now, about 6 months.
My first appointment is in March 9th, it seemed like it took forever to come.
I wish you luck, and maybe after I see my surgeon, I can let you know step by
step if you want how it goes, and what to expect. IM not sure right now,
myself.
Mariah in Colorado

I was gonna buy some apple juice but when i read the label it says like 20 grams
of sugar wont that make me sick to much sugar????? I can't find any sugar free
even the light is high sugar. I have only found v8 to be low . How many sugar
grams is ok????
newloser2004 <jdp1957@...
am I safe to assume that ALL popsicles, gelatins, etc need to be
sugar free?

Not only does whey *taste* better, it's much better absorbed . . . I find the
soys chalky and gritty. Whey is smoooooooth. :o)
Rachel, who's back, Ma!
<< From: Diane <bubbles_9832000@...
Subject: Re: do you prefer soy or whey protein??????
I need to know which 1 tastes better to you?????? I just tried a soy
protein shake and it is not the greatest so i wanna take a poll...
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

Hi All,
Though I have been on this journey for a long time, I've just joined
this group. The web site has been a tremendous help to me,
especially in helping my husband to understand why such a drastic
measure is necessary. He's been thin all his life, need I say
more? :-)
Anyway, I wanted to have this surgery a year ago but had to wait
until this year due to the fact that I was on Interferon combination
treatment for Hepatitis C. I am happy to say the treatment is over
and the Hep C is gone. Praise God. Took my last shot on 1/2, app't
with the surgeon was 1/21, ins.co. finally had all paperwork by 2/6,
I was approved on 2/16, pre-op class was 2/23 and my surgery date is
3/8 at 9:30 AM. The last time I was this excited was on my wedding
day.
Well, I just wanted to introduce myself, stop lurking and start
losing. Thank you Diane and Co. for starting this group.
Joanne

who it was. Could that person please email me privately...THANKS

I thought some of you might like to know what happened to Pimpgirl
and I have been communicating with her sister Mary and she said it
was ok for me to post what happened to her. If anyone has anything to
ask I am sure Mary wouldnt mind answering some questions but she is
pretty upset as of yet and rightly so she just lost her sister, I
understand this better than most being I also lost a sister some
years ago to bypass surgery but I didnt let it stop me from having
mine I just did lots of research and checked out my doctor thourghly.
Mary had some questions about drainage tubes I couldnt answer them
because I never had one in me. So if anyone can help her please email
her and let her know her email is babygirl456622002@....
Dear Diana
Thank you for your e-mail and yes you can tell the
group about my sister she was 27 and yes she had a 8 year old
daughter may I ask you how long your drainage tube was in? Everyone i
have talked to said 7 to 10 days but they took my sisters out in 3
and thats what killed her they tore her small intested and she got
infection and i was wondering if you would tell me how long for you
thank you again for your e-mail
Sincerely, Mary
Mary McNeil <babygirl456622002@...
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SORRY AND NO SHE HAD THE SURGEY ON THE 10TH OF
FEB. THEY SENT HER HOME ON THE 12TH AND TOOK HER DRAINING TUBE OUT ON
THE 13TH AND THEY ENDED UP TEARING A HOLE IN HER SMALL INTESTED AND
THEN FROM THERE EVERYTHING SHE WAS DRINKING AND HER MEDICATION WAS
GOING IN HER STOMACH SHE WAS TOOK TO THE HOSPITAL ON THE 15TH @ 730
AM WHERE THEY DID ANOTHER SURGEY ON HER AND SHE WAS PUT IN ICU WHERE
THEY WAS TREATING HER FOR NEWMONIA AND BLOOD CLOGS WHICH TURNED OUT
SHE NEVER HAD EITHER ONE IN MY OPINION THEY OIVER DOSED HER AND
SCIOTO MEMERIAL HOSPITAL KILLLED MY SISTER THANKS AGAIN Mary

Welcome Brian soon you will be on the loosing side!!!!!!! My surgery date is
next monday March 1st so doing the happy dance here!!!!!!!!!!! Keep us posted on
your journey!!!!!!!!!
I gotta still take my before pics before saturday and for once in my life I
wanna picture taken LAMO. I never thought I would want 1 I HATE pictures of
myself.
Diane
Brian <vrcat50@...
I just started my journey last week, My name is Brian, and I went to
my orientation last week, now the next thing is to take a 12 week
course that goes to july 14. it is a class on dieting, and getting
over diets, freedom from diets. after that I can get a meeting in a
group with the socail worker..it cannot go by fast enough.
Brian

I just started my journey last week, My name is Brian, and I went to
my orientation last week, now the next thing is to take a 12 week
course that goes to july 14. it is a class on dieting, and getting
over diets, freedom from diets. after that I can get a meeting in a
group with the socail worker..it cannot go by fast enough.
Brian

Dear Mary,
Just you wait sweetie. The time's gonna come when you don't need that
chair anymore at all, either in or out of the house. You know where I
use mine now? At my computer desk. It's the most comfortable desk
chair I've ever had... hahahahaha. It hasn't left my house in over six
months now.
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
386/205/165
BMI 60/30.3/24
-181
-100"
Angel to Bill, Debbie, Ilene, Roy, and Ro

I had my surgery weds 2-18-04 the only things that happened to me was (REMEMBER
that your DR may not request these procedures done) Well I had 3 hyperien "blood
thiner" 3x's every day and I woke up with an IV in my neck and it was there for
4 days. I also have a G-tube for adminstering meds on a daily basis. It's
something I came home with. Be sure that you pray about this for god to give you
peace about it.
Good Luck I'll be praying for youBeth. PS I didn't have much pain at all and I
cut about 10 inches. Oh yea the gas I have is worse than the pain Ibut i've
been asured that it will go away in time. Beth in Fl
punishmenttrain@... wrote:
HOLLY CRAP!!!!!! I'M SCARED !@#$%^&.....
I'M FREAKING OUT. IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD KNOW AHEAD OF TIME?
IS THERE ANYTHING THAT HAS CAUGHT ANY OF YOU BY SURPRISE AND YOU WISHED
SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU?
ANY ADVICE?
HOW BAD DOES IT HURT ONCE YOU WAKE UP?
I'M GOING CRAZY.......

HOLLY CRAP!!!!!! I'M SCARED !@#$%^&.....
I'M FREAKING OUT. IS THERE ANYTHING I SHOULD KNOW AHEAD OF TIME?
IS THERE ANYTHING THAT HAS CAUGHT ANY OF YOU BY SURPRISE AND YOU WISHED
SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU?
ANY ADVICE?
HOW BAD DOES IT HURT ONCE YOU WAKE UP?
I'M GOING CRAZY.......

Frist a warm WELCOME to all the newcomers, also thanks to all those who
participated in last nights chatting session we all had a wonderful time and
answered alot of questions, hope to see more at next Monday nights chat
session.
Ok I have been taking Biotin now for about 2 1/2 weeks I havent seen alot of
change in hair loss but then I know eating enough protein does make a
difference also, but for the person who asked about stopping hair loss
(sorry bad with names) the hair loss is really something we cant control
from my understanding its going to happen because our bodies are losing
weight at a rapid pace. I know I have lost almost 80lbs since my surgery in
Dec and I know my body has went through some major changes. Well hope all is
going well for all the others and will try and update my status again after
March 3rd I have my 3 month check up then.
Diana
Wisconsin/ Dr. Weiland
498lb/420lb/ ????

weight to go Nora!!!!!! That is awesome loosing 53 pounds in under 8 weeks!!!!!
I hope to be so lucky by 5/1!!!!!! Happy Dance!!!!!!!!!!

I need to know which 1 tastes better to you?????? I just tried a soy protein
shake and it is not the greatest so i wanna take a poll...

Hey Cathy, I can't get all the water down either. What type of
protein drinks are you drinking? I like the Atkins vanilla the best.
I drink 2 or 3 a day and eat eggs and cheese ,peanut butter and
crackers. Try Capt' D's broiled fish, if you like fish you'll like
it.Be sure to watch your sugar content,too.Crystal light and tea
sweetened w/ splenda is great. Keep in touch and good luck. Oh,I had
mine 1/22 also by Dr. Freeman in Anniston,Al. Phyllis

Hello! I am considering having Gastric Bypass surgery. I am
currently going through the steps to go through with the surgery.
Just trying to find as much information as I possibly can. Am
alittle nervous about it but I know that it is something I must do.
I was also wondering if anyone had hypothyroidism prior to the
surgery and how that affected them if any due to surgery? Also how
has the change affected your family, how is it with your eating
habits so differing to theirs? Thanks I truly appericate all the
info I can get and look forward to posting here!
Rose

I'm at 1 month and am having a hard time figuring out how to cook
chicken or fish soft enough so I can eat it. I looked in the files
for this group and read the recipes but didn't see any that looked
like I could eat them. Any suggestions? Cathy

congrats....wow i can't believe you have to wait 6
months. it took me 6 weeks total.. but hay 6 months is
nothing right.. see you on the loosing side soon.

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

wel got a letter today from the dr office and its in black and white!
i have been approved. problem is since it is state insurance i now go
on a waiting list and they say it should be early fall! that seems so
far away. i am no good at waiting. but i have been overweight all my
life so what is another 6 mnths lol i have to have some other
paperwork redone because they have to send it through a health center
and not the actual office, but at least i have the approval. i pray
each night to leave it in Gods hands to do what he feels is best and
to ask for the will power and paitence not to get frustrated! i am an
awful waiter lol!!!
Tracey

Laredo,
Congrats on your success! I had my surgery on 1/22 but have only lost 16 pounds
to date. I had hoped to have the kind of success you've had but it hasn't
happen. I have read before on this site that not gettng enough protein will
slow you down. I drink one shake a day with 15-25 grams of protein. I can't
seem to drink more than that -- just not hungry. And, I have trouble getting
all the water down. Am I suppost to wait 30 minutes after the shake before
drink water? The worst problem I'm having is being constipated. Anyone have
any suggestions?
Cathy
Message: 18
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2004 16:05:51 -0000
From: "laredo_36042" <laredo_36042@...
Subject: 1 month ckup
hey everyone, i went yesterday for my 1 month checkup and i've lost
28 pds. it is so wonderful. 280/252 Phyllis in Ala

I am in Indiana also, who is she having surgery through?
Brandi
http://home.earthlink.net/~bsline

Hi i need suggestions as to what i should have on hand when i arrive home.
Thanks

Dear Anna,
Thank you for this information. I visited the page and read the whole
thing. I will be ordering some to try it. It looks great!
Sue - Arizona

=====
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Free Dish Satellite Systems!
Earn residual MONTHLY INCOME!
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Parent company is publicly traded as (NIC:CDNX).

Hi Patti,
Thank you for answering my email, it is great to hear from someone
who has had it about the same time I did. I don't have any children
yet, but I hope to try after I lose all (or most) of the weight I
want to lose I will be able to have one (I hope). I can not wait
until springtime, yee ha!! I have a garden that needs attending to.
Now that I have more energy, I will be able to really get into it
this year.
How much more weight do you want to lose? I want to lose about 120
more. Can I ask you where you are from? I am from Baltimore,
Maryland. I think this is so cool being able to talk to people via
email, when I was a teenager, I use to have pen pals in other
countries. I had two in England and one in France and I thought that
was cool. I don't know how old you are, but I use to love David Soul
from the 70s tv show, "Starsky and Hutch" and that was what me and my
pen pals use to talk about all the time (I was young).
Anyway, got to go, I hope to hear from you soon. I will try to go on
the chat about 8:30 p.m. est tonight, if you want to chat some more.
See ya later,
Tammy

Hi Tammy:
My name is Tammy also. I had my surgery in November of last year.
The one tip I can offer you is, follow exactly what your doctor says,
and always make sure you take your protein seriously, it is extremely
important. It was very scarey at first for me too but I knew it was
the right decision. If you are doing the protein drinks, now would
be a good time to try some out because some drinks made me sick and
others I hated. But I take the Atkins Advantage protein drinks, I
get them from Walmart-4 for $7.86 I believe is the price. I drink
one every morning before I go to get dressed to go to work. It
diffinently works, I lost 74 lbs in 3 months. I feel really great.
I am new to the group too but I figured out that on the left hand
side is a word that says, "Chat" and you just click on it and it will
take you into the chat room. There is no one there right now, the
other chatters will probably go on at evening time, I figure.
Well, good luck to you. email me anytime, I would love to have others
to talk to or about 8:30pm I will try to go into the chat room, maybe
I will talk to you there.
See ya,
Tammy Ricci

You can get as many responses as the group has members. This is NOT normal!!!
Make an appt with your surgeon and tell him whats going on and tell him you want
him to be aggressive with finding out what is wrong. Constant purging can
damage the esophagus and possibly your pouch, then you will have more problems.
Surely you are not getting the nutrition required if nothing stays down.
Good Luck
~~Pat~~
Orlando, FL
252/207/160
BMI 37/
52 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/10/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

Going to have surgery April 22. A little nervous but very excited.
Does anyone have any tips for me on pre-surgery stuff? I am making
a list of questions to ask my surgeon. New to group. How does chat
work? Thanks!

Hi Tammy,
Good luck to you with your wt. loss. I know how you feel--I would gladly
communicate with you. I had my surgery on 9/30/04 and lost over 70lbs as of
last month. I haven't gotten weighed since my last visit. I'm glad to hear you
are exercising--I should exercise more but it seems like I never have time for
myself. I still have 2 children at home -- so when I get home from work, I am
always running them places (sports, etc). As soon as it gets nicer out
(weather-wise) I plan and walking before I go to work. Like yourself, I don't
have any major problems -- I guess we're lucky. Hope to hear from you.
Regards, Patti
twricci <twricci@...
Hi my name is Tammy and I am a new member. I had gotten my Bypass
surgery on 11/11 of last year. I just feel I need some support from
others who have had the surgery. I am not having any major problems
or anything, I just need to talk sometimes to people who understand
what I am talking about. I am doing really well, in 3 months I have
lost 74 lbs and I started out at 350 lbs. I feel really great I am
swimming three times a week and walk twice a week. I am just
wondering if there is anyone out there that may want to talk to me as
a support friend or if anyone has any questions that I may somehow
help them on.
Please email me at the above address: twricci@...
Thanks,
Tammy

Dear Angie,
I am glad you were able to get in so soon. I do hope this doctor will be
able to help you. This is such a specialized surgery that a bariatric
doctor should be up to date. I had a friend years ago who had the same
surgery you did. It worked well for her, but problems cropped up about
five years after her surgery - so I understand where you are coming from.
Best of luck to you,
Sue - Arizona

I really felt like I was the only one having this problem. A lot of
doctor don't want to touch other drs work.
I just ate a boiled egg and I'm hoping it stay down. Are you doing
more protein to help you along?

i am havening the same problem as you i had surgery in 1997 i am going to see a
doctor for it .. i eat and it comes up and the doctor that did mine is no longer
doing it
mthankfultoo <mthankfultoo@...
Hi
My name is monique and I really need some help,I'm having some
problem with food staying down I had my surgery two years ago.I have
to admit I don't take my protein like I should because it comes right
back out. Soon as I eat it comes out, I still eat very small meals
when I can. I try to eat three to four times a day.Morning is worse
then afternoon and evening.I still have 25 pounds to go and I'm
getting married in May I don't want to go on my honeymoon sick. Can
someone give me some advice on what I need to do or start back
doing.I have started back taking my protein twice a day but it comes
back out. I really need your help. I had my surgery in Va but now I
live in Ill and my doctor really don't understand what I'm goig thru.
Thank you In advance for your help.
Monique

hey everyone, i went yesterday for my 1 month checkup and i've lost
28 pds. it is so wonderful. 280/252 Phyllis in Ala.

i got in to see a baratric doctor on march 1 ... hopefully he can help
Angie

Hi
My name is monique and I really need some help,I'm having some
problem with food staying down I had my surgery two years ago.I have
to admit I don't take my protein like I should because it comes right
back out. Soon as I eat it comes out, I still eat very small meals
when I can. I try to eat three to four times a day.Morning is worse
then afternoon and evening.I still have 25 pounds to go and I'm
getting married in May I don't want to go on my honeymoon sick. Can
someone give me some advice on what I need to do or start back
doing.I have started back taking my protein twice a day but it comes
back out. I really need your help. I had my surgery in Va but now I
live in Ill and my doctor really don't understand what I'm goig thru.
Thank you In advance for your help.
Monique

Allan -
I love the ProPlete Gold Pineapple Vanilla. It has chunks of pineapple, is
creamy, but not thick, and is sweetened with Splenda. I mix 1.5 scoops with 6
oz of water or so . . . for a little over 30 grams of protein/serving, very
little fat and sugar.
I get it at VitaLady.com . . . where you can also buy an inexpensive sample . .
. in case your tongue os broken, and you don't like it. :o)
Rachel
From: "Allan" <apa@...
Subject: protien powder-pineapple
I'm looking for pineapple flavored protein powder and cant find it.
I was wondering if anyone knew where I could get some?
Allan
lap rny
12-15-03
312 / 245 / ?
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

Hi my name is Tammy and I am a new member. I had gotten my Bypass
surgery on 11/11 of last year. I just feel I need some support from
others who have had the surgery. I am not having any major problems
or anything, I just need to talk sometimes to people who understand
what I am talking about. I am doing really well, in 3 months I have
lost 74 lbs and I started out at 350 lbs. I feel really great I am
swimming three times a week and walk twice a week. I am just
wondering if there is anyone out there that may want to talk to me as
a support friend or if anyone has any questions that I may somehow
help them on.
Please email me at the above address: twricci@...
Thanks,
Tammy

Hi group, Here is the protein powder that I think is the most delicious in
the world. It's - http://www.wholenectar.com/
The taste is creamy and has a good "mouth feel" to it. The product is totally
organic and nutritious. I bought it from some friends of mine who travel
around and demo the Vita Mixers, which I bought about 5 years ago. I saw them at
a
show recently and bought a couple containers on their word that it was good.
It makes the most delicious smoothies you can imagine. I tried just about all
the protein powders out there, including special "sports" blends, and huge
tubs from GNC. None can compare.
While your on the web site, you can order their cook books too. I have the
"Delicious Blends" one, however, remember that these books are written by people
who demo the Vita Mix. If you have one, they will be useful. If you never
plan on getting one, just get the Power Smoothie Book, or wing it.
I use about two cups of soy milk (I don't care for dairy personally), 4-5 ice
cubes, a scoop of Whole Nectar and then whatever flavoring I want. A frozen
banana is excellent and you don't need any artificial sweetener. You can freeze
or use other fruits, strawberries, peaches, etc., add about a half a cup to
the blender. If you have flavorings, use them and a packet of Splenda, with a
touch more ice. That makes about 3-4 cups of smoothie, good for two people, or
one, like me, if you sip it over an hour or so.
Anna

Hae you tried cutting back on the amount of food? Maybe more like 4-
5 oz instead of 6-8?
You might want to see a gastrointerologist and be scoped to see if
there are any abnormalities in the pouch, such as a stricture which
could be causing you problems.
Of all things, stop the pattern which causes vomiting. If you are
purging twice a day, it is without any question unhealthy for you.
Even once a day is too much. Occasionally most post-ops will
although I have never in 14 months. The damage to your digestive
tract could be extensive. Cut back to smaller meals. Go to protein
shakes for a while. Soft mushy foods. But please do something to
stop the cycle which is so deadly.
Peter

Actually, the right answer is yes.
Going back MANY years ago, there was a procedure of just stomach
stapling which was done. A smaller pouch was formed and there was no
other separation of the stomach. It would be akin to use of a band
now of days.
Weight loss varied, and revisions have occured, including having a
complete RNY done.
There is still an operation being done which was derived from the
DS. It works completely on the basis of malabsorption. My question
would be this.... Why have that procedure done so you can still eat
so much and lose weight. Part of the way we afford new clothes is
the cost savings of food. This other surgery teaches us nothing as
how to handle food in a more reasonable fashion. It may be
effective, but IMHO I beieve there are much greater risks long term.
This may cause problems when very old. But at least I will be able
to get there.
Peter

Hi all,
At this point, I am pleased ro report that things are looking real good. I am
still not as trusting to actuaally go out and try anything that I feel that I
night want to do like venture out in uncharted terretory that I have not been in
for quite awhile, hjowever what I am doing is doing something for myself that
would perhaps empower me to start back in areas that I may be willing dowm in
the future at some point and time to go down. I guess some day I will also
explaine to you all how I got to where I am so that you all will understand the
maganatude and the difficulty of why it is that in someways I cannot trut not
just others but also in some degree myself.
What I can tell you is that yesterday, I recieved my new home health aid, and
let me tell you- she FULLY ubderstands me and was BOLD enough to actually help
this BIG person to get totally cleaned. I have never gelt as clean as I did when
I was finished wiith my shower yesterday. Things are indeed looking up, and GOD
is good.
Yours always,
Jason

Congratulations Stacy I'm happy your xrays turned out good and u can have the
surgery.
Tricia in AL
stacy beck <myhumingbird@...
news tonight after my hubby took me to Rochelle Il. to watch trains.(((yes I
know he works for the railroad and can not get enough of train
watching...)))))but when we got home I had a message from Dr. Marshall's
office... the upper GI (scope ) byopic I had done on the 19 of Feb. it came
back.........it was negative ...I have a clean bill of health from it......I
can have my surgery...If no one can tell I am doing the happy dance ...sitting I
might hurt something if I did it standing...lol.
Stacy Beck
Galesburg,Il.
Surgery Date : postponed
I needed a scope to see
if I have any ULCERS...
406/ FEB,23,2004 I AM 398.1../someday195

Thank you Mary.
I'll figure it out yet! lol But until I figure out my email..
I'm using the ever faithful copy/paste and it's working
*points down*
See!
Be Well
Tita
Orlando, FL
275/241.8/135
39 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/31/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

I'm the other way around.
I had lap and my surgeon doesn't use drains.
6 spots with staples that I enjoyed for 10 days and I was good to go.
Be Well
Tita
Orlando, FL
275/241.8/135
39 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/31/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

HELLO EVERYONE.....I got some great news tonight after my hubby took me to
Rochelle Il. to watch trains.(((yes I know he works for the railroad and can not
get enough of train watching...)))))but when we got home I had a message from
Dr. Marshall's office... the upper GI (scope ) byopic I had done on the 19 of
Feb. it came back.........it was negative ...I have a clean bill of health from
it......I can have my surgery...If no one can tell I am doing the happy dance
...sitting I might hurt something if I did it standing...lol.
Stacy Beck
Galesburg,Il.
Surgery Date : postponed
I needed a scope to see
if I have any ULCERS...
406/ FEB,23,2004 I AM 398.1../someday195

Hey Angie don't let other people get to you!!!!!!!!! We are your friends here
just remember that!!!!!!!!!
Your pal,
Diane
Angie Morris <autumn_breeze_1971@...
ok i relize i didnt have your surgery done i joined the group for support i was
in surgery for 4 hrs i have a scare that is 15 inch long i have had weigh lose i
had a binder i had to give my self shots in the stomach for the first month..
please be alittle more kind i am haveing problems and beleive or not i had to go
threw more problems with such a large instion then most that have

Congratulations!!!!
Alice hardestyal hardesty@...

ok i relize i didnt have your surgery done i joined the group for support i was
in surgery for 4 hrs i have a scare that is 15 inch long i have had weigh lose i
had a binder i had to give my self shots in the stomach for the first month..
please be alittle more kind i am haveing problems and beleive or not i had to go
threw more problems with such a large instion then most that have surgery now
...i am sorry i am just upset with some of the comments that i am getting ..
Angie

ok please answer if anyone has had this problem , ok 6 yrs ago i had 3 rolls of
staples and a gastric ring put in i weigh 400 pounds i have lost 200 pounds but
i have alot of skin really bad .. i have had a little boy not two yrs from
surgery... he is 3 now every sence he was born i vomit like 2 times a day or
more depends ... its not over eating cause i only eat between 6-8oz ..i havent
really lost any more weigh but i havent gained any either .. i talked to my
regular doctor about it and he says to me its a side affect of the bypass .my
doctor that did my surgery is no longer doing it and has sence moved to a
different state.. i am trying to get an appiontment with a doctor here that does
it he told me that thats not the way its saposto be and i am wondering if he has
to go in if i should or could get the other by pass done?
Angie

hope u get a swift approval! wtg on grabbing the reigns of your
quality of life.
lori h.
21 grateful months post-op

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Weekly Group Chat!!
Monday February 23, 2004
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
Notes:

I have a couple of questions, one is that I have fibromyalgia I know one or two
in the group has it too, can u tell me how hard it was to recover while having
the fibro too. Also I'm on a lot of medications how is this going to effect my
stomach afterwards, I'm on 3 kinds of b/p meds but after tom. I hope he drops
one, then I have to take thyroid, and diabetes meds and then for the fibro, I'm
on pain med and muscle relaxer and depression med and anxiety which they say
should help the b/p and I think it has, can anyone tell me anything about this
effecting my surgery?
Thanks Tricia in AL
[Non-text portions of this message have been
removed]

The gastric bypass is stapling of the stomach

has anyone had the stomach stapled then later had the gastric bypass done?
Angie

Hi Ellen, Congrats on the upcoming surgery date!! Its an amazing gift!!
Make sure you have sugar free jello and SF Popsicles in the house. I love
crystal lite so i had plenty of that bought. I went to bjs or sams club where
its
alot cheaper to buy it and bought raspberry ice and pink lemonade...i mix
those two together and make raspberry lemonade..its great....also as for protein
drinks i would not recommend for anyone to buy alot of those before surgery
because i did and after surgery i did not like any i had bought..so now i am
stuck with two cases of chocolate and two jugs of green apple nectar...now what
i
would recommend is going to Vitalady.com and ordering some samples, the
Nectars are great and you can mix those with water so you can, or i was told
that i
could, have them from the beginning.
If you dont really LOVE coconut stay away from the carribean cooler, but if
you do get that kind mix it with crystal lite orange/pineapple...that is a
GREAT drink that i love and about 30 grams of protein per drink. But i really
recommend you ordering the samples and save them for after surgery. From what i
hear, and i belong to many MANY support groups..its hardly anyone that can get
in the amount of protein they are suppose to when they are newly postop..so if
you are not able to get in all of your protein the first few weeks that is
normal. the "pouch" is still swollen and it takes a few weeks for that swelling
to go down...make sure you drink PLENTY OF WATER...that is the most important
thing newly post op...
also, i bought several cans of broth, (beef, chicken) and had it on hand
although i never really used it..i had alot of wonton soup, without the wontons
of
course....
when you go the the hospital, TAKE A PILLOW WITH YOU....not only is it
comforting at the hospital..you will definately need it for the ride home,
especially if you are having open....as soon as you can after surgery make sure
you get
up and walk walk walk...that is the most important thing for you to do newly
postop. and trust me i sure as hell did NOT want to get up..but i had to force
myself, and i had to force myself to breathe into that stupid machine...OMG
did that hurt my lungs...but it loosened up alot of crap from the surgery that
they say i could have very easily gotten sick from. and also as for walking my
surgeon would NOT let me go home until...humm how do i say this correctly
LOL..would not let me go home until i "passed gas" lol...so the walking helped
with that also...
Good luck
Linda
10-21-03
332-250-150

Hi Brenda! I'm Brenda in Mankato, MN, and I want to quit smoking. How would
you like to have a quit smoking challenge with me? Maybe we can hold each
other up, offer support and encouragement. I'd like to have quit entirely by
this Thursday night. Please be my buddy!
Brenda Johmson
Mankato, MN
RNY 12/99

About the drainage tubes---i am only a week out now--open rny--i didnt have
any drains wither---my surgeon doesnt use them---now i would think for a lap
procedure they would be more necessary--so i dont know---CIndy

Dear Kristi,
I am new to this group and I also just got my surgery date! Same as yours
March 15th!
I hope we both can sail through the surgery!
I am looking for help in what do i need for when I return home from the
hospital?
What do you drink besides protien shakes? what r the best protien shakes?
Thanks for your help.
Ellen
big day 3/15/04
I n a message dated 2/23/2004 9:05:01 AM Pacific Standard Time,

The tag where we put our name and weight information is entered by each
individual whether they have their signature automatic like in Outlook,
there is a way to have a auto signature, but since my work e-mail is
what I use, it would not be appropriate to change my work auto signature
to read my weight....it might not go over well with my surperiors...LOL!
Luckily, on my PDA, I can copy and paste and it seems to stay on the
clipboard so I don't have to do anything but paste and when the weight
changes, I paste, make the change and copy it to my clipboard again.
HOpe this helps!
Carol Matar
Lap RNY 10/31/03
405/316/135

Many of you have a tag at the end of your posts with your name and
information. I haven't figured out yet if it's done automatically or
if you add it to each post. Is ther a way to it as an automatic
signature?

Allan,
I think Susan at www.bariatriceating.com has some.
Have a great day.
Karen :)

I'm looking for pineapple flavored protein powder and cant find it.
I was wondering if anyone knew where I could get some?
Allan
lap rny
12-15-03
312 / 245 / ?

Is it painful-or just a dull feeling? I had the dull
feeling, just felt like something was there. I asked
the dr about it and he said it didn't sound like
anything to worry about. He said he thought it was my
diaphram pressing up against the pouch and moving
everything up. Well, sure enough, I rarely feel it now
that my pouch is softening up. But it sounds like the
same area that you are having your pain in.
Shannon

Kristi,
CONGRATULATIONS!!....i am totally excited for you!!! We will talk soon
Love,
Linda
10-21-03

Hello I have been approved !!!!
WOW it totally amazes me I truly was getting my appeal stuff ready was very
discouraged, depressed wondering how I was going to find the strength to fight
the insurance CO when mustering enough strength to show up for "normal" life
functions seemed HUGE. The surgery scheduler called and asked if I had received
the good news I hadn't and I was in shock I think. she said you truly did not
expect this I really didn't. The last time I heard from her she had asked if
I would be responsible for the payment of surgery cause it looked like my
insurance CO would not pre approve and it was not a covered expense. So yes I
was
totally surprised as to the approval. I had to share this with the group in
hopes to encourage those of you waiting on approval. I have bcbs aware through
the teamsters and the exclusions and limitations part of my book is thicker
then the coverage. Matter of fact they even state in there no treatment loss or
expense for obesity. I originally was not even going to try for it because of
those words. My surgery date is March 15, 2004 . thanks for all your post's
that have helped me stay above water Kristi

Hi all.. I need some insite... Since last night I have had some serious pain
on the upper left side ... its directly under my breast....I called my Dr this
AM and they said it was possibly the beginnings of an ulcer.. well i have
eaten some mexican for the past few days.... so what do yall think ?? anyone
ever
experience this yourselves ?
Thanks
Shala

I AM GLAD YOUR FEELING MUCH BETTER...MIMI
Lisa Fowler <llfowler@...
Yesterday was a new day. I
definitely felt better. I got up and showered and went to Walmart
and the bead store. I also did several other things with breaks in
between. Today I'm feeling pretty good too. I'm definitely on the
mend. I do think it was this 24 hour flu bug running through my
house.
I appreciate all the advice from the folks who've already walked this
path. It is soooo helpful. Invaluable is really the word. I'll
make sure to get my protein in. I need to find some new shakes. I'm
also definitely going to get all my walking in today. I know it will
benefit me so greatly.
LisaF
249.5/??/135
DOS 2/16/04
Dr. James Dickinson
Pouder Valley Hospital, Ft Collins, CO

Thanks for all the help folks. Yesterday was a new day. I
definitely felt better. I got up and showered and went to Walmart
and the bead store. I also did several other things with breaks in
between. Today I'm feeling pretty good too. I'm definitely on the
mend. I do think it was this 24 hour flu bug running through my
house.
I appreciate all the advice from the folks who've already walked this
path. It is soooo helpful. Invaluable is really the word. I'll
make sure to get my protein in. I need to find some new shakes. I'm
also definitely going to get all my walking in today. I know it will
benefit me so greatly.
LisaF
249.5/??/135
DOS 2/16/04
Dr. James Dickinson
Pouder Valley Hospital, Ft Collins, CO

Hi Brandi,
Good luck to you and your family! Hang in there through the approval
process. You'll get it and I think you'll find such wonderful
changes in your life post surgery.. health, fitness, and emotional.
Mine was just this past New Year's Eve, and already the tendenitis
that used to bring me to tears has eased and my bad
back/disintegrating disc is giving me a break.
It's amazing what you can do when you don't hurt! I've gone from
being short of breath walking from my car to my job.. to walking 3
miles a day.
But you know what's lovely? You've got that wonderful husband who
loves you just the way you are... how ever you are.
Be Well
Tita
Orlando, FL
275/241.8/135
39 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/31/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

Brandi- I hope all goes well on your journey in this weight loss trial. I am 4
months post op and I am so very thankful that I had the surgery. It has changed
my life tremoundesly. It is great that you have a great support in your
husband. Keep us informed on your journey. Best of luck toyou and your family.
Sandy in Washington.
brandishyne <bsline@...
old and in the process of being
approved for RNY. I live in Indiana and will be having OPEN RNY by
Dr Dana Lindsay in Frnaklin, IN. I have been obese since I was 8. I
have been trying to get approved since June of last year. My
husbands company expanded twice last year, so in Jan 04 we switched
insurance companies and I had to begin the approval process over
again. I currently weigh 392.6 and have weighed that since January
of 2003.
My weight is causing major health problems. Recently I have been
limited in my driving because of the imense pain I have in my knees
and may be using a cane soon. This on top of being Type 2 diabetic
and having shortness of breath is causing my quality of life to be
very low. Also, I am currently unable to work because I can't stand
or walk very long/far.
I don't mean to sound so negative. I am blessed with a wonderful
husband of 7 years. He is very supportive of my WLS journey and of
me in general. I hope to have surgery soon so we can begin a family
in the future.
I am excited about getting to know some of you. Have a great day!
Brandi Line
http://home.earthlink.net/~bsline

1. I have fought weight most of my life. SA
2. I use to feel ashamed around other people. SD
3. It was hard for me to look into the mirror. D
4. I used to secretly eat. D
5. I felt my physical and mental health suffered. A
6. I felt like I was always dieting. SA
7. When I dieted, I gained it all back, plus some. SA
8. I felt that I tried every other option available to me. SA
9. Food was my escape from life and reality. SD
10. I thoroughly researched Bariatric Surgery. SA
11. I was/am ready to commit to a better way of life. SA

Hi my name is Brandi. I am 26 years old and in the process of being
approved for RNY. I live in Indiana and will be having OPEN RNY by
Dr Dana Lindsay in Frnaklin, IN. I have been obese since I was 8. I
have been trying to get approved since June of last year. My
husbands company expanded twice last year, so in Jan 04 we switched
insur